The NHS has joined forces with the government and trade unions to launch the first national flu-vaccination campaign for NHS staff.

The National NHS Staff Seasonal Flue Vaccination campaign aims to raise awareness among NHS workers about the importance of receiving the jab and the potential for them to transmit germs to vulnerable patients if they are not inoculated.

New figures released by the Department of Health revealed that only a third of front-line NHS staff had season flu vaccinations last year. In addition, figures published in May by the Health Protection Agency showed that, during the last flu season, more than 600 deaths in the UK were directly related to the virus.


The NHS Employers Organisation is running the campaign on behalf of the Social Partnership Forum, which consists of the Department of Health and trade unions representing the NHS. Dean Royles, a director of the organisation, believes that NHS staff will support and respond to the campaign. He said: “This campaign will drive up vaccination rates by explaining that it is safe – showing how important it is and helping local organisations to deliver jabs quickly and conveniently.

“We want staff vaccinations to eventually become as commonplace in the NHS as washing your hands. In some health trusts, over 90 per cent of front-line staff are vaccinated, which is fantastic.

“Organisations throughout England are strongly backing this campaign and we believe staff will come out equally strongly in support, especially given the excellent help and backing being provided by their unions.”

Social Partnership Forum chair of staff, Christina McAnea, added: “UNISON is fully behind the flu-vaccine campaign. We want to make sure that staff protect not only themselves but their families and those in their care. We would urge everyone to be immunised – the vaccine is coming to you wherever you work. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay safe and well this winter.”