Healthcare workers are being encouraged to get vaccinated to ensure they don’t catch the flu or pass it on to patients.

Flu jab uptake by hospital staff in the North East and North Cumbria was just above the national average last year with 69 per cent of staff being vaccinated compared to 68 per cent nationally.

Getting the jab is the best way to protect against flu and reduce the risk of spreading it. Patients who can become seriously ill if they contract flu and healthcare workers are more likely to catch it through exposure to patients who have it. It is also possible to carry the virus without showing symptoms.

Public Health England estimates that an average of 8,000 people die from flu in England each year – last year, that figure was 15,969. The new flu vaccine could prevent 700 deaths, over 2000 hospitalisations and 30,000 GP consultations in those aged 65 and over in England this winter.

Over 700,000 frontline healthcare workers in the NHS had the vaccine last year.

Glen Wilson, screening and immunisation lead for NHS England in the North East and North Cumbria, said: “It is vital that front line staff see their occupational advisor and get vaccinated to prevent the spread of flu, especially to the most vulnerable.

“We’ve done well in the region in previous years potentially preventing thousands of people from getting the flu and we want to improve on this.

“As well as limiting the spread, being vaccinated gives everyone the best chance of avoiding flu. The best way for staff and the public to ensure protection and avoid an illness which can be really nasty is to get the jab. Members of the public can make an appointment to get the vaccine at their GP practice or local pharmacy.”

All frontline health and social care staff are eligible for the flu vaccine. It is the responsibility of their employer to arrange and pay for this vaccine.

People who are over 65, are pregnant, have a certain medical conditions, are living in a care home and those who receive a carers allowance will receive a letter inviting them to an appointment for a free flu jab.

Members of the public can find out more about getting vaccinated by speaking to their GP or local pharmacist, or visiting nhs.uk/fluvaccine