Experts urge health care workers to be vaccinated to help fight flu

“Protect yourself and those in your care” is the message from the National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) to health care workers preparing for another influenza season.

NICS is launching the 2007 Fight Flu campaign to raise awareness about the real risks of influenza and encourage vaccinations as the most important preventive measure.

“Currently less than 50% of health care workers are being vaccinated,” said NICS chief executive officer, Dr Heather Buchan.

“Vaccinating health care workers is crucial because they are at increased risk of contracting influenza and transmitting it to those in their care. The elderly, the very young and those with chronic disease are particularly vulnerable,” she added.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends influenza vaccinations for all health care workers, including staff of nursing homes and long term care facilities. NICS is encouraging health care organisations to provide free and
convenient vaccinations to their staff.

“Influenza vaccination is a health and safety issue. It also saves money and prevents workplace disruption due to absenteeism,” said Dr Buchan. “Health care workers have a duty of care to protect patients from transmissible diseases.”

For more information about influenza including the latest evidence, tools and translated fact sheets, go to www.fightflu.com.au