Dorset County Hospital staff flu vaccination rate one of the best in the country

30 January 2020

Dorset County Hospital staff have smashed their flu vaccination target this year, achieving one of the best rates in the country.

NHS organisations were tasked with vaccinating at least 80% of their frontline staff as part of a nationwide effort to minimise the spread of flu this year and protect vulnerable patients.

The latest Public Health England statistics show that 82% of DCH’s 2,035 frontline staff were vaccinated against flu by the end of December 2019. The national average was 68.5%. And the hospital’s latest figures show that 88% of frontline staff have now received their jab, with more vaccination sessions planned.

The hospital’s success this year has been attributed to a team effort, with a dedicated group of peer vaccinators and a focus on creative and consistent communication around the importance of staff getting their jabs.

DCH’s Director of Nursing and Quality Nicky Lucey said: “We are very proud of our staff who have done exceptionally well this year in exceeding the national targets.

“We have a number of measures in place to encourage staff to get their flu jabs. These include regular drop-in sessions throughout the trust and a team of dedicated peer vaccinators.

“We also introduced video messages to target the myths surrounding the flu vaccination as well as use of social media to encourage the uptake.

“It is so important for staff to be vaccinated as it protects them, their friends, family, colleagues and of course, our patients. Flu is not just a heavy cold, it can be life-threatening.”