Cumbria NHS Trusts join forces to fight flu

The vaccination will protect staff, their patients, and their families Credit: North Cumbria University Hospitals

Cumbria's NHS Trusts are joining forces to vaccinate more staff than ever against flu in preparation for winter.

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) aim to get all front line staff vaccinated against the virus.

This will protect Cumbria NHS staff, their patients, and their families from this year's strain of flu.

Last year NCUH vaccinated 75.6% of frontline staff, with CPFT achieving 63%.

This year, both Trusts are hoping to beat those figures.

The vaccine is the most effective way to protect against flu and is free to all employees.

The Chief Executive of both Trusts says he's behind the campaign:

GPs are urging anyone who is eligible for a free flu jab to contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.

Who is eligible:

  • People aged 65 or older.

  • People with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.

  • Children aged two and three years old will be offered this vaccination by nasal spray.

  • Your child’s GP surgery should contact you.

  • Children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3 & 4 will be offered the vaccine at school. Your child’s school will provide details from the local healthcare team.

  • [More information](http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/health-services/stay-well-this- winter/stay-well- this-winter.aspx)