7 December, 2022
All healthcare workers and people in at-risk groups in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford are being urged to get the Flu Vaccine.
In a three and a half minute video released this week by the HSE’s South East Community Healthcare (SECH) organisation and the HSE’s Area C Public Health Dept., the Chief Officer of SECH Kate Killeen White tells viewers that if they are wondering if they should get the Flu Vaccine, the answer is ‘Yes’:
“The Flu Vaccine is the primary method by which the HSE is trying to safeguard healthcare workers, patients, families in each case and the community in general from what can be a severe illness.”
The release of the promotional video coincides with the recent launch by SECH of a specially modified mobile vaccination unit to travel to HSE workplace locations across the South East, in which nursing staff offer both flu and COVID-19 booster dose vaccinations to colleagues.
The video also features Specialist in Public Health Medicine, Dr. Catherine Lynch of the HSE’s Area C Public Health Dept. serving the South East. In her message, reiterating the appeal made by the Chief Officer of SECH, Dr. Lynch says:
“You won’t get COVID-19 from taking the COVID-19 vaccine or booster and you won’t get flu from receiving the Flu Vaccine. Due to the nature of their work, healthcare workers are at increased risk and may be 10 times more likely to catch flu than other members of the public. Being vaccinated reduces risk and helps to avoid serious illness, hospitalisation and even death.”
Among others featured in the video are Derval Howley (Head of Service/Health and Wellbeing, SECH). Derval both illustrates the serious effect of flu in the South East and conveys a timely message ahead of the Christmas season:
“In one recent year, there were as many as 45 deaths from flu across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. This Christmas and New Year holiday time, if you are planning to mix with family and friends and maybe visit elderly relatives and so on, be proactive. Get the Flu Vaccine and so avoid any risk of flu spreading to vulnerable members of our communities.”
Kate Cassidy, who is the Vaccination Services Manager for South East Community Healthcare, took the opportunity on screen to say that the response of people across the region in the time since the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine early last year has been fabulous:
“Clearly, the evidence is there to show that high rates of vaccine has helped reduce the threat of COVID-19 and mitigate against the disruption high rates of infection can cause. In addition to urging people to ensure they get their booster doses, I would also encourage people to make a similar assessment as regards the flu. Ensuring a high rate of flu vaccination among healthcare workers and other at-risk groups in society will also mitigate against the damage flu infection can bring.”
The video is available to watch on HSE urges healthcare workers in the South East to get the flu vaccine (YouTube)
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Last updated on: 07 / 12 / 2022
