Date of release: 23 September 2022
Staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are doing all they can to keep patients infection free as well as boost their own immunity against flu and COVID-19 in preparation for the winter.
Doors to the staff vaccination hub at New Cross Hospital are now open and hundreds have turned up to protect their communities and teams.
Each year the NHS experiences considerable pressures over the winter period and vaccination has proved to be one of the most effective ways to ensure staff, patients and the wider community have the greatest protection.
This year it is particularly important to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting flu or COVID-19 as the viruses circulate at the same time. The effects of contracting both viruses can be extremely serious, especially for those most vulnerable, and can lead to death.
Daini Flower, Clinical Lead for Mander Vaccine Centre and New Cross Hospital Hub said: “So many colleagues have been eager to come forward and get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 to make our services as safe as possible for our patients, many of whom are vulnerable.
“We are also doing all we can to protect each other this winter - as well as our families – as we know it can be a challenging time of year for healthcare.”
Rob Thomas, Clinical Manager, was among those staff who received their vaccinations. He said: “I wanted to get my vaccinations as soon as possible to protect myself and those around me.”
Melissa Colbourne, Lead for Undergraduate Skills and Simulation said: “I have a hole in my heart so it’s particularly important to take up vaccinations. I want to ensure I’m protected ahead of the winter months.”
The NHS is offering free flu vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccinations to those eligible. Please see the following websites for details:
• Flu: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
• COVID-19: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
