Health workers launch battle against flu season

Powys teaching Health Board has decided to lead by example and launch its fight against the flu season by practicing what it preaches.

With health chiefs warning local residents to take whatever precautions they can against any potential flu outbreak, all Powys teaching Health Board staff have been offered flu vaccinations to prevent them passing on the flu bug to patients and families this winter.

Jane Davies, Health Protection Nurse, said: “Vaccinating our staff is not just about ensuring that they can continue to work and care for patients, but is also about reducing the chance of them spreading flu to the more vulnerable people that they come into contact with.”

Tracey Gauci, Welsh Government’s Nursing Officer for Infection Protection, gave a talk this week to Powys staff before having the vaccine herself.

This year, as well as offering the flu vaccine to vulnerable people, a needle-free version of the vaccine is also being offered to all two and three year-olds through GP surgeries and those in Year 7 at school.

Dr Catherine Woodward, Director of Public Health, said: “Flu is very contagious and easily passed to vulnerable people, which is why it is important to reduce its spread. Each year sees a different strain of Flu circulating so we need to have a new vaccine every year.”

Those eligible can have the vaccination at their local GP or at one of the many participating pharmacies across Powys.

PICTURE: Tracey Gauci had her vaccination this week.