Northern Health staff and volunteers are now able to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccination.

As Melbourne’s cold winter months approach, now is the time for staff and volunteers to come forward, roll up their sleeves and boost their immunity with the flu vaccine.

It is recommended by the Department of Health that individuals receive their annual flu vaccine from mid-April onwards to ensure protection against the flu when it is at its highest during the peak flu season, typically between June and September.

The flu is highly contagious and a potentially life-threatening disease. It is not the same as the common cold, with symptoms lasting up to two weeks.

“Getting the influenza vaccine this year remains important to ensure our patients and staff are kept safe,” said Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance.

“By being vaccinated, healthcare workers can help protect patients in their care by decreasing exposure to the virus.”

All staff members and volunteers at Northern Health are required to receive the flu vaccine. Immunising nurses will administer vaccinations in both clinical and non-clinical areas. Staff with contraindications must attend a face-to-face consultation with the Staff Health Nurse and send a medical exemption letting to staff.health@nh.org.au.

Influenza vaccinations will be available to staff via ward vaccinators. Alternatively, staff can visit the flu pop-up clinic at Northern Hospital Epping outside Ward 21. The clinic will operate Wednesday and Thursday this week from 9 am to 2.30pm. From Monday, 28 April, the clinic will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 2.30 pm. All clinical and non-clinical staff and volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of the flu pop-up clinic.

This year, Northern Health is providing the flu immunisation to staff only. The vaccine will still be available to inpatients, antenatal patients, and outpatients. The community is encouraged to visit their GP or local pharmacy for their influenza immunisation.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

Featured image L-R: Basil Ireland, Chief Financial Officer, Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance, Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture.