Staff flu immunisations begin at Oxford University Hospitals

Staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have started to receive their flu vaccinations as part of preparations for winter.

By vaccinating frontline staff, OUH can help stop people from catching the virus and passing it onto people in their care. It also means health organisations can be more resilient during the coming busy winter months.

This year with both the flu virus and COVID-19 circulating, flu immunisation is more important than ever to reduce infections, protect each other and protect the NHS.

Prof Meghana Pandit, Chief Medical Officer at OUH, said: "We are encouraging all of our staff to have their flu vaccination this year. It is one of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter, and also helps our staff to protect both their patients and their loved ones from flu. Importantly, it also reduces the risk of staff absence due to flu over the coming busy months."

Flu is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person and infects the respiratory system, where it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The flu viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.

The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.

The best way to avoid getting the flu is by having the vaccination. Doing so significantly reduces the risk of developing the illness.

More information about the flu vaccine is available on the NHS website

Pictured: Prof Sir Jonathan Montgomery, OUH Chair, receives a flu vaccination