22 April 2022
As we head into the colder months, Whiddon’s flu vaccination program will be available again to all employees. Getting vaccinated against influenza is the best way of protecting you, your loved ones and the wonderful people we care for from the flu.
This year it is even more important. We are all more vulnerable to influenza due to lower recent exposure to the virus and lower uptake of influenza vaccines. With international borders reopening, it’s likely we will see more influenza in 2022.
Influenza vaccination prepares your immune system to fight influenza viruses. The immunity provided by the vaccine can protect you from becoming sick if you get exposed to influenza in the community. This immunity can also reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick.
Older Australians, the people we are providing direct care to, are at the highest risk from influenza. The flu is dangerous and often deadly for older people. Our priorities are to keep our residents and employees healthy and this is one way we can help achieve this.
Is the flu vaccine mandatory?
For the last two years, the flu vaccine has been mandated for all employees and visitors to aged care homes. Given the increased risk this year, and heightened COVID-19 risk in our communities, while it has not yet been mandated, we expect that it will be. You can prepare for this by having your flu vaccine as soon as it is available to you.
Keep your eye out for details on flu vaccine clinics at your service, which will be forthcoming soon. If you choose to get the vaccination externally, you will be required to present evidence of having the vaccine to your manager.
We thank you for everything you do in keeping everyone in our Whiddon family safe.
Find out more about the flu vaccine in 2022 by reading this NSW Health brochure.