PUBLIC Health England is urging all health and social care staff to have their free flu vaccination so they can protect vulnerable people in the area.

Frontline staff are at higher risk of catching and of passing on flu due to their contact with patients and those they care for.

As well as social care staff being able to get a vaccine at a pharmacy or via a GP, pharmacists will now be able to vaccinate both residents and care home staff at the same time

In some cases, infections only result in mild or unnoticeable symptoms – meaning staff then unknowingly pass the virus to vulnerable people that they come into contact with.

Flu is very different to a normal cold and can confine the fittest of people to bed.

For older people or those with long-term health conditions, the effects of flu can be much more serious, and in some cases even fatal.

Lead consultant for screening and immunisation at Public Health England and NHSEI South West Dr Julie Yates, said: “Flu can be extremely serious and can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

“There is evidence that getting flu and Covid-19 at the same time can also increase the risk of becoming very seriously ill or dying. That’s why it’s more important than ever this year that staff and care home residents get vaccinated, to help reduce transmission of flu and protect against the double threat of flu and Covid-19.”

Bassett House Care Home manager Jacqueline Moss said: “Our residents are vulnerable, and we know if they catch flu, the consequences could be much more severe than in a healthy adult.

“This is really distressing for us, the resident and their family, so we are encouraging all residents and staff to protect themselves and others by taking up the offer of a free flu vaccine this year.”

For more information on the vaccine, visit the flu pages on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/