Services Database Social Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Scheme 2014-15 (Bradford Area)

The aims of this service were:

• to provide influenza vaccinations to frontline social care workers, with direct patient contact, within the Bradford Metropolitan District;
• to reduce the serious morbidity and mortality from influenza disease by reducing the transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients/clients; and
• to maximise the uptake of influenza vaccinations in frontline social care workers.

Vaccinating frontline staff against influenza has been shown to reduce hospitalisation and morality. Vaccination of staff with direct patient contact against influenza has been shown to significantly lower rates of influenza-like illness, hospitalisation and mortality in the elderly in healthcare settings.

The service operated on a voucher scheme only. Eligible staff presented with a voucher entitling them to an influenza vaccination. All providers asked for the voucher as proof of eligibility for vaccination under this scheme along with photographic staff ID cards. Those eligible organisations that did not provide photographic ID cards for staff, a letter signed from their employer (either letterhead or company stamp) was sufficient. Any staff requesting a vaccination without a voucher needed to contact their line manager for a replacement voucher.

Not known.