As we continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that the focus on the flu virus is not lost. Flu is a serious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness, and at times can lead to death.

In England, an average of 13,500 people die every year from flu, and thousands more need hospital treatment. We want to ensure that those delivering care and those being cared for are as well protected from the flu virus as they can be. Having the flu vaccine provides the best protection and helps prevent individuals from getting flu and from spreading it to other people.

COVID-19 vaccine The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time. To that effect, NHS vaccination teams will be encouraged to deliver co-administration of both flu and COVID-19 vaccines in care homes, to both staff and residents, where this is operationally possible. However, co-administration will not always be an option for all social care workers – for example due to different staff shift patterns, personal choice, and vaccine availability. It is therefore important that as an employer, you are encouraging your staff members to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

You can access guidance on flu vaccinations online here

You can access a printable guidance on flu vaccinations here