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Barts Health annual flu vaccination begins today (Monday 2 October), with staff across the Trust preparing to do the right thing and become flu fighters, at a time when the NHS has been told to prepare for one of the worst outbreaks of the virus for years.

Hospitals in Australia and New Zealand were reportedly unable to cope with the large flu outbreak that occurred during their winter seasons. It is expected that the flu could put more pressure on our hospitals this winter, prompting Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England to issue a warning to all UK hospitals.

Speaking at a health conference in September, Simon Stevens said the amount of  flu circulating in other countries was a warning that flu cases could build in the NHS during winter, however reassured that measures were being taken to ensure our health service was prepared:

“For the next three, four, five months, the top priority for every NHS leader, every part of the NHS, is ensuring that the NHS goes into winter in as strong a position as possible. We know we’re going to have more hospital beds open, we know we are better prepared, but we also know that the pressures are going to be real.”

Barts Health has team of vaccinators trained up and ready to vaccinate staff across all sites, in order to help relieve the pressures that flu complications could cause.

Chief Nurse at Barts Health, Caroline Alexander said:

 “With the nation preparing for a particularly bad season of flu this year, I encourage all to have the flu vaccination and be part of the flu fighter effort.

“It is important to remember that the flu is not just a sneeze or cold, it is a contagious virus that can seriously affect our elderly patients and those with long term health conditions. Many of us may be asymptomatic carriers, and whilst we may not experience flu symptoms, we can still pass the virus on to others without feeling sick.

“To ensure we are prepared, we have trained a host of peer vaccinators and have dedicated flu nurses who will bring vaccinations to the wards. There will also be drop-in clinics across all of our sites - vaccinating as many staff as possible will help to us to ease the pressures that come with the winter season.

"All patients and carers should also take note of the potential for a heavier flu season by getting the vaccine for free via their GP or pharmacy if they are in an at risk group, are pregnant or are over 65 years of age.

For some people, flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and a spell in hospital. That's why, if you're over 65, are pregnant or you have any of the following conditions, you should ask your GP or pharmacist for your free flu jab to help protect you and your family:

• Asthma
• Heart disease or heart failure
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system
• Neurological diseases
• Asplenia

Amy Lambert, mother of Rosie-May a patient on the Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross University Hospital shared why it is important for all to receive the flu jab:

“Rosie-May was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer in November 2014. This meant that Rosie had a weakened immune system and we had to do all we could to protect her – even a small cough or cold could have made Rosie ill.

“My family and I have the flu jab every year, and we are so grateful that NHS staff do to!”

Don't put it off - get your jab for free from your GP or pharmacist and stay well this winter. For further information on how you can stay well this winter, visit the NHS Choices website.

All Barts Health staff can find information about the flu fighter campaign on the intranet – WeShare.