Flu vaccination for health and social care workers

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever for health and social care workers, due to the likelihood that flu and Covid-19 will both be in circulation. You will be contacted by your GP and/or workplace if you are eligible for a flu vaccine during the 2023/24 winter season.

Why the Flu vaccine is so important

Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people or those with other health conditions. Health and social care workers are looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, so it is important that they help protect themselves and those receiving care against flu.

Flu spreads easily and can be passed from staff to the people they care for even if the staff member has mild or no symptoms. This is why vaccination is important for all staff working with people who are vulnerable either because they are in a clinical risk group or because they are aged 65 and over. Every year there are flu outbreaks in care homes despite high flu vaccination rates for residents. This is partly because as people age they do not produce as good an immune response to vaccination. This makes vaccination of staff caring for these people even more important.

Free Flu vaccine for South Gloucestershire Council staff

SGC staff can find more information on the flu vaccine offer for South Gloucestershire Council employees on the intranet when it is available.  

You can get your flu vaccine free on the NHS at your GP surgery or a local participating pharmacy if you’re a frontline health or social care worker.

Find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.