Winter Wellness and Mandatory Vaccinations
Winter Wellness and Mandatory Vaccinations. Stay Safe this Winter
With winter around the corner, it's more important than ever to look after your health—and the health of those in your care. The British Nursing Association is here to support you in maintaining a healthy, safe environment throughout this season. A key part of this is ensuring you're up to date with vaccinations and reporting any health concerns promptly.
Why Vaccination Matters: Your First Line of Defense
As a healthcare professional, you're on the front lines. Protecting yourself from seasonal illnesses like the flu isn’t just about personal safety—it’s about safeguarding the people you care for and work with. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of these viruses, especially in healthcare environments where infections can spread rapidly.
Have You Received Your Flu Vaccines?
If you’ve already taken your flu vaccinations, that’s fantastic! Please update your vaccination status through our online portal or by messaging us on Staffshift or via our WhatsApp Chat. If you haven’t, there’s still time to get protected and reduce the risk of severe illness this winter.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Wondering if you're eligible for the NHS flu vaccines? You qualify if you:
Are aged 65 or over (or will be by 31 March 2025)
Have specific underlying health conditions
Are pregnant
Work on the front lines of healthcare or social care
Live in a care home for older adults
Simple Steps to Get Your Flu Vaccine
Booking your flu vaccine is easy and convenient. If you’re eligible, you can:
Schedule an appointment at a pharmacy online or through the NHS app (for those aged 18 and over)
Find a local pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations
Contact your GP to book an appointment directly
Know Your Risk: Who’s More Vulnerable to Severe Illness?
While everyone is at risk of catching the flu, certain groups face higher chances of severe outcomes. It’s important to notify us if you or someone you care for falls into these categories:
Age: Being over 60 increases vulnerability.
Chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses make severe infections more likely.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women face a higher risk of complications from respiratory infections.
Obesity: A BMI of 30 or higher has been linked to more severe cases of illness.
Being aware of these risk factors allows us to implement the right precautions, keeping both staff and patients safe during the winter season.
Infection Control: A Collective Responsibility
Your role as a healthcare professional means staying vigilant about infection control procedures. This isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s how we protect everyone. Key measures include:
Wear PPE correctly: always use the recommended personal protective equipment for your role and specific care setting.
Practice hand hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser, especially when interacting with patients.
Stay Informed: report any changes in health
Your health directly impacts the quality of care you can provide. If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to report these symptoms or changes to your supervisor or the British Nursing Association team as soon as possible:
Symptoms such as cough, fever, or changes in taste and smell
Recent exposure to Covid-19 or other infectious diseases
Any changes in your overall health that may affect your work
Early communication helps us put safety measures in place, reducing the risk of illness spreading among staff and patients.
What’s Next?
Please make sure you’ve completed your annual occupational health questionnaire and keep us informed of any changes to your health. By staying proactive and diligent, you help ensure the safety of your colleagues and patients.
Upload Your Documents
Once you’ve completed your health documentation or if you need to submit your vaccination records, simply upload them through Staffshift here.
Providing all supporting documents is essential. Not sure how to upload your documents? Click here or chat with us via Staffshift live chat for help.