DHB wants more staff to have flu jab

Last year only 55 per cent of DHB staff took up the offer of a free flu jab.

Lakes District Health Board wants to see an increase in the number of staff who have flu vaccines, after figures revealed just over half of its staff took up free flu jabs last year.

Health and Safety consultant Marie Fullerton said last year about 55 per cent of health board staff had the flu vaccination, which was offered free to all staff.

"The number of staff vaccinations is increasing each year, and our goal is to continue to see this increase in our annual figures."

Ms Fullerton said health care workers were more at risk of exposure to the influenza virus and were more likely to become infected, so they encouraged all staff to take up the free vaccination offer.

"It is the aim of the DHB to provide information and opportunity for staff to make an informed decision on the benefit and risks of influenza vaccination, to themselves and those they care for."

She said this year the health board had put on an extra 10 authorised vaccinators especially trained to prescribe and administer vaccinations. They were also providing opportunities for staff to have the vaccine at various locations and times throughout the three-month programme.

Ms Fullerton said some staff might have received the vaccine through their doctor or general practice, and they weren't accounted for.

She said the National Influenza Specialist Group managed the national annual influenza awareness campaign and they used promotional material from the programme to help raise staff awareness about the benefits of the vaccine.