Trust begins protecting staff against flu and Covid-19

We have begun the process of protecting our staff against flu and Covid-19 with the start of our annual vaccination campaign.

Staff across the organisation will be offered the chance to have their flu and Covid-19 jabs this winter.

By having the vaccines, our teams will be protecting themselves, their patients, and the wider local community. Last year, we delivered more flu and Covid-19 vaccines to our staff than any other Trust in the South-West.

Chief Nurse Lisa Cheek was one of the first people to attend the vaccination centre when it opened.

Lisa is now encouraging people across Swindon and Wiltshire to have their vaccines:

“Please protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by having your flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

I’m having my vaccines, because flu can have a real impact on the safety of our patients and staff – and can put extra pressure on our services with increased sickness.

As soon as it is offered to you, please plan with your GP or pharmacist to have your jabs – to make sure you don’t get this sick this winter, and we can look after those who most need our help.”

As well as frontline health and social care staff, this winter will see those most at risk – including people who are immune-suppressed – offered the vaccines. Those aged 65 and over, carers and pregnant women will also be offered the vaccines.

Eligible people may receive an invitation to have their vaccine from their local GP practice, or can make an appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination using the National Booking service.

Some community pharmacies are also available to offer both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. These appointments can also be booked using the National Booking service.

Children will also be offered the flu vaccines this winter, to prevent them getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. The nasal flu vaccine will also help break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.

#GetVaccinated #StayWellSwindon