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, colleagues and patients are safe from the harmful impact of flu.

Staff are encouraged to get the vaccine annually as it provides the best defence against flu.

All staff are eligible for the jab and it’s particularly important for patient-facing colleagues to get vaccinated, as they could pass the flu virus on to their patients and family even if they have very mild symptoms.

Dr David Cromie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, 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.

“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.

“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 vaccination schedule, giving information on clinics, locations, dates and times.

Play Flu Bee and learn why it’s so important to get your flu jab

Calling all staff! Play Flu Bee and learn why it’s so important to get your flu jab – protect yourself, your family and your patients.
If you have some questions about why you should get your vaccination, play the Flu Bee Game – it busts flu vaccine myths and helps you to understand why it’s so important to get vaccinated.
The game takes just five minutes to play and works on computers, smartphones and tablets.
Play Flu Bee at: http://lanarkshire.flubeegame.com/