Staff vaccinations

Check below for details of walk-in vaccination clinics – all staff will be given an hour off during work time to be vaccinated. You may prefer to book first on Vaccination Track to avoid waiting during busy periods (you will have been emailed a link to Vaccination Track). Any staff who have been vaccinated outside the Trust – or who do not want to be or cannot be vaccinated – should fill in this short form so records can be updated. Any queries about flu vaccinations should be directed to [email protected].

Staff from a variety of roles are encouraged to join up as peer vaccinators to help administer flu vaccinations. As an added bonus to those that sign up, £200 will be given out in prize draws each month until May 2025 to our peer vaccinators.

Peer vaccinators are trained and can give the vaccine in wards and departments across the Trust at a time that suits everyone. If you’re interested in being a peer vaccinator first ensure your manager is happy then email the Occupational Health team, with your manager in copy, at: [email protected] for more information. Those applying must be registered health care professionals such as nurses, midwives, pharmacists, operating department practitioners or physiotherapists.

A total of 764 patients were affected by flu outbreaks at King’s College Hospital and the PRUH between October 2023 and May this year, with cases rising to a peak in January before slowly dropping off. Deaths from flu were reported to be at their highest rate for five years at the end of winter in 2023, after mask regulations were relaxed following on from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to one in four healthcare workers may become infected with flu during a mild season, a much higher incidence than expected in the general population. Each year we offer flu vaccinations to help keep our colleagues healthy and minimise the risk of the virus spreading to patients.

Two webinars were hosted by the REACH Network to tackle issues around the flu vaccine featuring Miss Rantimi Ayodele (Acting Chief Medical Officer) and Dr Chris Gonde (Chair REACH Network). Myths surrounding vaccines and issues of anti-vaccine stories in social media were discussed as well as reacting to questions posed by attendees. You can watch recordings of the event below:

Thursday 3 October webinar – watch here

Friday 11 October webinar – watch here

Vaccines and religious beliefs

As part of Inter Faith Week a webinar about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations was hosted on 15 November.

Dr Asif Iqbal, Chair, Inter Faith & Belief Network and Rantimi Ayodele, Chief Medical Officer, discussed issues around vaccines and how these are perceived in regard to different faiths and religions.

You can watch the webinar here

What causes the flu?

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs. And because it’s caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. However, if there are complications from getting flu, antibiotics may be needed.

How do you catch the flu?

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed. You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus. But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts.

How do we protect against flu?

Flu is unpredictable. The vaccine provides the best protection available against a virus that can cause severe illness. The most likely viruses that will cause flu are identified in advance of the flu season and vaccines are then made to match them as closely as possible.

The vaccines are given in the autumn ideally before flu starts circulating. During the last ten years, the vaccine has generally been a good match for the circulating strains.

What harm can flu do?

People sometimes think a bad cold is flu, but having flu can often be much worse than a cold and you may need to stay in bed for a few days.

Some people are more susceptible to the effects of flu. For them, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital, or even death.

Am I at increased risk from effects of flu?

Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. You should have the free flu vaccine if you are:

* pregnant

Or have a long term condition such as:

* a heart problem

* a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma

* a kidney disease

* lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)

* liver disease

* had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

* diabetes

* a neurological condition, eg multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy

* learning disability

* a problem with your spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed

* are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above)

This list of conditions isn’t definitive. It’s always an issue of clinical judgement. Your GP can assess you to take into account the risk of flu making any underlying illness you may have worse, as well as your risk of serious illness from flu itself.

MYTH: Healthy people don’t get flu

REALITY: The reason we offer staff the flu jab is because anyone can pick up the flu virus. 20% of the population catches flu each year and working in a hospital increases your chances to one in four people, even if you are healthy. Plus if you do catch flu, you can pass it on to vulnerable and immuno-suppressed patients who are at more risk of serious illness, not to mention your colleagues and family.

MYTH: Flu is a mild illness, so I don’t need to be vaccinated

REALITY: The majority of people who catch flu each year have a miserable few weeks, however for some it is much more serious, flu can kill. Globally seasonal flu virus causes between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths each year. In the UK, during the COVID-19 pandemic flu cases and deaths were lower than usual, however, with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, we are expecting cases to rise again.

MYTH: The side effects of the vaccination are really bad – it can give you the flu!

REALITY: There is a slim chance you may experience minor cold-like symptoms or experience a slight soreness around the site of the injection – all of which can be relieved by taking painkillers or cold medication. It’s impossible to get a flu infection from a vaccination because the injectable vaccine doesn’t contain any live viruses.

If anything, the vaccination may make your illness milder if you do get sick later on. However, if you get sick with any flu-like illness immediately after flu vaccine, it is likely to be one of the other viruses like rhinovirus, RSV, parainfluenza viruses, human metapneumovirus or COVID-19!

MYTH: I’ve had the flu jab before, so I don’t need it again

REALITY: You should be vaccinated against flu each year because new vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting viruses. Because these viruses evolve so quickly, last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s flu.

After vaccination, your immune system produces antibodies to protect you from illness, but these start to decline over time, so this is another reason to get a flu vaccination each year.

MYTH: The flu jab isn’t safe and it hasn’t been properly tested

REALITY: The flu vaccine is one of the safest in the world and is given to millions of people each year. The strains of flu that are included may change but this does not affect the safety of the vaccine which is thoroughly tested.

The risk of having a serious reaction to the vaccine is less than one in a million – a much lower risk than the likelihood of becoming seriously ill from having the flu. The only people who should not have the vaccine are those who have had a severe allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in the vaccine in the past.

MYTH: I’ve heard the vaccine doesn’t work

REALITY: The flu vaccine is reviewed every year by the World Health Organisation and throughout the last ten years the vaccine has generally offered good protection of between 50-70%. A quadrivalent vaccine, with action against four different types of seasonal flu virus has been developed and approved for use by the UKHSA. This is the vaccine we use at the Trust.

MYTH: Lots of my colleagues have already had flu jab, why should I?

REALITY: As individuals with professional duties and as a Trust dedicated to excellence in healthcare, we must do all we can to protect ourselves from flu, prevent flu transmission to patients and create a safe hospital environment. High vaccine uptake will create good immunity amongst King’s staff and a safe environment for our patients.

We each have a role to play in this and if you have not yet been vaccinated, now is the time.

MYTH: Does the flu jab protect against COVID-19?

REALITY: No. The flu and the COVID-19 viruses do both impact the respiratory system but they are separate viruses that require different vaccinations. Vaccinating to protect against influenza can have a great benefit to your overall health including your immune system.

MYTH: I’ve heard that having the flu vaccine makes you more susceptible to COVID 19 – is this true?

REALITY: There is no evidence to support this at all.  It’s still important to have your flu vaccine to protect your respiratory system.

MYTH: I am pregnant and I’ve heard I shouldn’t get the flu vaccine?

REALITY: Pregnancy alters how the body handles infection such as flu. Flu infection increases the chances that pregnant women and babies may need intensive care treatment following birth. A flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and is recommended by midwives and obstetricians.

MYTH: Flu vaccines are only for the very young or the very old

REALITY: While complications from the flu are most dangerous for the very young and elderly population, the flu can hit strong and healthy individuals too.

MYTH: Antibiotics will fight the flu, so I don’t need the vaccine

REALITY: No they won’t – flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria and so flu is not treated with antibiotics.

MYTH: Flu vaccines contain ingredients that will alter my DNA

REALITY: No it does not. There are several types of injected vaccines. You will be offered a vaccine that’s most effective for you. For example, in adults aged 18-64, there are different types with low egg and egg free vaccines. Adults aged 65 and over will be offered a vaccine which will make a stronger response to the vaccine.

MYTH: I have had the COVID-19 vaccine so it should protect me against the flu as well

REALITY: No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against the flu. You should arrange to have your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

MYTH: I have heard that the flu vaccine is not safe for BAME Communities

REALITY: There has been a significant amount of scientific research on the trials of the flu and COVID-19 vaccine. There is no evidence that the flu or COVID vaccine works differently in different ethnic groups. You will be offered a vaccine that is most effective for you.

MYTH: If I experience side effects to my flu vaccine and I feel unwell, I will be expected remain at work.

REALITY: No, if you do experience side effects and you do feel unwell following your flu vaccine, we encourage you to stay at home until you feel better. Side effects are likely to last around 2-3 days if they do occur. If they continue for longer you need to let your manager know and speak with your GP.

MYTH: I have been told that I have to have my flu vaccine at the same time as my COVID-19 booster

REALITY: No. The decision to have the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time is your CHOICE. Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be given at any time, and there is no need to wait a period of time between each vaccination. We encourage you to read the scientific information along with a discussion with your General Practitioner to make an informed choice.  You can also speak to Occupational Health colleagues if you would like further information by emailing [email protected].