Our response to NHS plans to boost flu vaccination and manage winter pressures

Response - 12 October 2017

Free flu vaccines for care home staff and increased number of jabs for young children in schools will be made available to try and increase the uptake of vaccinations this winter.

Today NHS England, Public Health England, the Department of Health and NHS Improvement have unveiled measures to boost the uptake of flu vaccinations this winter.

In response to the announcement, Imelda Redmond, National Director of Healthwatch England, said:

“Our recent report on what life is like in a care home highlighted how stretched staff can be at times, so this move to help keep care workers stay well during flu season is a really positive step by the NHS.

“Not only will it help to protect thousands of care home residents from getting sick, but it sends a strong signal about the importance of social care staff in providing an integrated health and care service.

“As winter approaches we need all NHS and social care services to be working in this joined-up way, to ensure people get the care and support they need to stay well.”