Staff across NHS Lanarkshire are being urged to take up the offer of the annual free flu vaccine.

The call to action is being made to ensure that all healthcare workers and their families, colleague and patients are safe from the harmful impact of flu.

The flu vaccination programme for staff working within NHS Lanarkshire will be available in a variety of locations on various dates from the occupational health service and from peer immunisers.

Harpreet Kohli, director of public health, said: “Flu is coming and it can hit you hard and NHS Lanarkshire cannot function without our most important asset, staff. All NHS Lanarkshire staff, whether you treat patients, are a porter, cleaner or secretarial staff, are eligible to be vaccinated for free.”

Healthcare workers can spread the virus to their patients, family, colleagues and patients even if they have very mild symptoms. The best defence against flu is this year’s vaccine.

Iain Wallace, medical director, said: “Patient health is at the forefront of our system so it is vital that healthcare workers protect themselves and their patients by receiving the annual fly vaccine. Those who are not immunised could pass on the virus to their patients, many of whom have pre-existing illnesses and are more likely to suffer serious complications from flu, such as pneumonia.”

It is important to get vaccinated each year as the flu virus can change. It is best to get the vaccine as early as possible.

Irene Barkby, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “The flu vaccine only takes a few minutes to receive, but it will protect you for around 12 months and reduce the potential spread of the virus to vulnerable patients.

“I encourage all NHS Lanarkshire staff to take up the offer of the free flu vaccine and play their part in ensuring Lanarkshire’s healthcare system remains healthy over the busy winter flu season.”

Visit FirstPort for the full flu vaccination schedule, giving information on clinics, locations, dates and times.