A flu vaccine campaign was launched yesterday at University Hospital Galway.
The promotional campaign marks the beginning of what is known as flu season, highlighting the importance of vaccinations which can reduce flu-related deaths by 40%.
The Saolta Group , CHO 2 and NUI Galway are partnering with UNICEF; for every flu vaccine given to staff, 10 polio vaccines will be donated to the worldwide charity.
It was launched yesterday by the Saolta University Health Care Group and HSE Community Healthcare Organisation CHO 2 (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon) together with the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences NUI Galway,
John Shaughnessy Saolta Group Director of HR said: “As we enter flu season, we are particularly requesting health care workers to get the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and their patients.
“Vaccination of healthcare workers has been shown to reduce flu-related deaths by 40% and for the next number of months we will have a number of clinics available at each hospital site to make it easier for our staff to avail of the vaccine.
“We have also trained a number of staff as Peer Vaccinators who go directly to wards and units to provide the vaccine to their colleagues.”
He also said that the Saolta Group is glad to be partnering with UNICEF to support them in their efforts to eradicate polio.
“Our staff can know that as well as protecting themselves and those around them, they are also making an important contribution to UNICEF’s work,” said Mr Shaughnessy.
Mr Tony Canavan Chief Officer Community Health Organisation Area 2 (Galway, Mayo & Roscommon) outlined that the promotion of the flu vaccine for all staff is of vital importance.
The majority of community based HSE staff are the amongst the highest risk groups, being 10 times more likely to get the flu.
It is hoped that this approach to the promotion of the flu vaccine will lead to increased uptake levels this year.
