ICS endorses CMO call for influenza vaccination of healthcare workers

Seasonal and H1N1 influenza have placed intensive care units under considerable pressure for the last two winters.  This year will probably be similar.  The challenge of caring for large numbers of patients with severe pneumonia is made worse if ICU staff are absent on sick leave from influenza.  A recent survey undertaken in the Midlands, which was one of the UK areas with the most significant flu rates, showed that the proportion of healthcare workers who received the vaccine was relatively low (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21481491). Not being vaccinated increases the risk to yourself, your family, friends and colleagues. It also makes it more difficult for us all to care for our patients safely.  It is your responsibility as a healthcare worker to have the vaccine unless, you have a medical contraindication.

The FICM strongly endorses the advice of the Chief Medical Officer (http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=421421&SubjectId=2) that NHS staff should receive their flu vaccination before this winter, as does the Intensive Care Society and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.