Swine flu jag for health staff

Oct 30 2009 by Mike Wilson

HEALTHCARE workers treating the most vulnerable patients were the first NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff to receive a swine flu jag this week.

The phased vaccination programme started at Ayr and Crosshouse Hospitals for key staff.

Dr Carol Davidson, director of public health, said: “We need to plan for the possibility of an increase in cases over the next six months, and the pressure that will put on our clinical teams. It therefore makes sense that staff get their swine flu vaccination as soon as they can.

“It is vital to prevent staff from unwittingly passing on the virus to patients and other colleagues - which could obviously have very serious repercussions for those who are more susceptible to the virus due to age, illness or pregnancy. This is also the most effective way we can protect our staff and stop swine flu from causing disruption in the months ahead.”