Our annual flu vaccination campaign starts today at Oxford Health as staff across the trust prepare for winter, and the accompanying risk of influenza and rise in demand for services.

As a highly transmissible virus, one of the most effective ways to protect against the flu is to get the annual flu jab. This simple step helps staff protect themselves and those around them from the virus, including loved ones, patients and colleagues.

This year, our staff and patients have collaborated to produce a fun promotional music video to help encourage everyone to take part and get their jab. Set to the tune of ABC by the Jackson 5, this light-hearted parody serves as a reminder of the simple ways in which we can protect each other this winter.

Director of Nursing and Clinical Standards at Oxford Health, Ros Alstead OBE said: “We’re encouraging our staff to protect our patients and each other by having their flu jabs.

“Many of our staff have their’s locally and our aim this year is to get better reporting as well as higher levels of vaccination to ensure we all stay well this winter.”

As health care workers, many of our patients are frail, have complex medical conditions and are vulnerable to contracting flu, though the infection can be life-threatening across all age groups, and in people with full health. Influenza can also be passed on from individuals who do not display any symptoms, which makes the vaccine even more important – 77 percent of people with the flu are unaware they have the illness.

This year’s vaccine covers four strains of flu instead of three, which will provide staff with a more comprehensive cover than last year

The jab will be available at drop-in clinics to be as convenient for staff as possible. This year, the annual campaign comes as a part of the Oxfordshire winter plan headed by winter director Tehmeena Ajmal, in association with partners Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT and South Central Ambulance NHS FT, who both make cameos in our promotional flu video.