Staff flu vaccination starts
From yesterday, Northern Health staff and volunteers are able to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccinations. Compared to previous years, there won’t be a community vaccination program, due to our focus on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive was the first to receive this year’s flu shot.
“Getting the flu shot this year remains important with the ongoing global pandemic. I would strongly encourage all of our staff to get vaccinated against the flu this year. By getting the flu shot, we are not only protecting our own health and wellbeing, but those around us as well,” he said.
“All clinical staff members are required to have the influenza (flu) vaccination and this will be administered by an immunising nurse in all clinical and non-clinical areas. Northern Health is required to vaccinate over 93% of our staff,” explained Madelaine Flynn, Manager Infection Prevention.
“This year, we will also have set sessions at all the sites to ensure all staff have access to the influenza vaccine”.
With the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination program, it is important to note that the recommended time frame between COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination is 14 days.
“The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely that the flu will spread in the community,” she added.
“With international flights resuming, the risk to the community is not only COVID-19, but influenza too, therefore it’s important that we are all vaccinated against both communicable diseases”.
With Northern Health immunising staff only against the flu, community members are invited to speak to their local doctor or pharmacy to access flu vaccinations.
Managers of non-clinical areas can email Staff.health@nh.org.au to arrange for an immuniser to visit their work area.