A collaborative approach is helping boost flu vaccination uptake among social care staff in Lanarkshire.
By working together, local health and social care partners are making it easier than ever for staff to get protected and keep the people they care for safe this winter.
NHS Lanarkshire is working alongside South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership and Scottish Care, the membership organisation and representative body for independent social care services in Scotland, to help improve the vaccination pathway and encourage uptake for independent sector social care workforce.
Social care workers, including those in the independent sector, provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Social care workers can attend drop-in clinics across Lanarkshire from Monday to Friday without needing an appointment and many care settings are also offering on-site vaccination clinics.
This collaborative approach ensures a two-way flow of clear, accessible information and support for all care providers, with vaccination teams actively engaging at forums such as the Care at Home Provider Forum in South Lanarkshire to discuss the vaccination offer and address any questions.
The importance of getting vaccinated cannot be overstated, especially for those working closely with vulnerable people every day.
Christine Anderson, a co-ordinator and carer with JKL Care Services said: “I work with a lot of vulnerable people and anything I can do to eliminate risk is worth it. Many of those I support have unhealthy immune systems, so it’s vital I do everything I can to keep them safe. Getting my flu vaccine is a simple step to protect them and myself.”
Donald Macaskill, Scottish Care Chief Executive said: “As social care professionals, we know how much the people we support depend on us. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important ways we can protect those in our care, our colleagues and ourselves.
“By getting our vaccine we are helping keep our local communities safe, reducing illness and ensuring the continuity of care. Let’s lead by example and make health a priority for everyone this winter.”
Lynsey Allan, South Lanarkshire Independent Sector Lead, added: “Our independent sector workforce provides essential support to people living in care homes and receiving care at home services across South Lanarkshire.
“This partnership working between Scottish Care, NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership supports this valued workforce to access vaccination and keep protected from flu this winter, recognising their vital contribution to keeping our most vulnerable communities safe.”
High vaccine uptake is critical to safeguard both carers and those they support.
Flu vaccination not only protects individual staff members but reduces the risk of transmission of flu viruses within health and social care settings, helping to protect those under their care.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “I want to thank Christine and all the social care workers who have already had their flu vaccine for showing leadership and commitment to the people they care for. I also want to thank Scottish Care for their dedication to highlighting the vital role of social care staff and for championing the importance of vaccination.
“This collaborative effort is about removing barriers and making vaccination as straightforward as possible. By working together, we can protect staff, safeguard vulnerable individuals and maintain the continuity of care that our communities rely on.
“What we learn from working together this year will not only strengthen our winter planning in Lanarkshire but also inform future preparation and help shape best practice across Scotland.”
Find out more about the flu vaccine at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine/
For details on local clinics and how to get vaccinated, visit https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/vaccinations/
