TWO 'flu angels' have been travelling around Cheshire and Merseyside on a decommissioned ambulance to deliver vaccinations to busy staff.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedic Kelsey Morgan and emergency medical technician 1 Sarah Jane Pettitt along with help from paramedic Debbie Stephens have delivered around 140 flu vaccines to ambulance staff so far.
They will continue to deliver the vaccinations at convenient times for staff.
Advanced paramedic, Rob Palmer said: “Our frontline staff work very closely with poorly and vulnerable patients and are more likely to be exposed to flu - and to pass it on.
"It’s really important for them to protect themselves and their patients by getting the flu vaccination.
“It can be a challenge for staff to attend designated flu clinics around their busy shifts so this is an excellent way to bring the vaccinations to them!”
The flu vaccination is most effective way for people to protect themselves and their families against the flu and healthcare workers are entitled to a free jab each year.
Kelsey and Sarah, who are both expecting babies and therefore currently on light duties, have been turning up at local hospitals and ambulance stations working during different shift times to offer the vaccine to as many staff as possible.
Kelsey said: “This is really well received by staff who often struggle to find time to have their flu vaccination.
“The viruses that cause flu can change every year, which means is why it’s really important for staff to get their flu jab annually and the more staff we can get protected, the better.”
The flu bus will be in action while supplies last and staff are also able to book in time slots to be vaccinated.
All NWAS staff are entitled to the flu vaccination and clinics and initiatives are run across the region to target as many staff as possible.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here