Royal College of Nursing are urging health care staff to get their flu vaccination this winter. They have explained that it is a professional responsibility for all nursing staff to ensure that they are vaccinated in order to help protect vulnerable patients and clients that they will be working closely with.
It is estimated that one in four health care staff are thought to be infected and affected by Influenza (flu), and as a result, put their patients at risk of developing severe drawbacks to their health as a result of contracting the flu.
About the flu vaccination
Influenza, also known as ‘the flu’ is a virus that infects the throat and nose and sometimes even the lungs. If developed, it can be mild to severe and some times, can lead to death. According to Royal College of Nursing’s #BeatTheFlu campaign, you can be in full health, yet still contract severe complications such as “bronchitis, secondary bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis.” People that are at a higher risk than others are women who are pregnant, elderly people and those who suffer from other illnesses such as asthma, kidney disorders, diabetes and weakened immune system.
Royal College or Nursing state that anyone who is in full contact – at work or home – with a person who is a high risk patient for the flu, should receive the vaccine. They recommend you do this, as it is one of the easiest and safest ways to safeguard your patients and yourself.
According to the NHS, it is your employer’s responsibility to ensure there are arrangements for everyone at your workplace to have their flu vaccination. However, if your employer doesn’t offer a flu vaccination programme, you can also receive your flu jab from either your local GP surgery or pharmacy who offers the service.
RCN state that “You will also help keep vital services operating in the winter months and instill best practice on the health care professionals of the future.”
