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High prevalence of flu cases: Correspondence from DHSC
The number of hospital admissions related to flu at the start of December this year has been more than 50% higher than last year.
Are you ready?
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Careworkers are eligible for flu vaccination via pharmacies or GP surgeries. It is not too late for them to get vaccinated. Please ensure your staff are able to access vaccination if they wish to. You can find out more here.
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The people you support may be eligible for flu vaccinations. Please support them in accessing the vaccinations, where relevant. You can find resources to support the communications campaign for flu vaccination here.
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There is guidance on Infection Prevention and Control in Acute Respiratory Infections for adult social care. This applies to flu cases, as well as COVID and other respiratory illnesses.
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You can find PPE requirements in this table.
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Please ensure your staff training and your policies and procedures on infection control are up to date.
Director of Adult Social Care Data, Assurance and Resilience at the Department of Health and Social Care, Claire Armstrong, has written to local authorities and social care providers to highlight the latest IPC guidance for providers to keep people who draw on care and support and their staff safe during the increase in flu cases.
She has also written a letter to encourage uptake of the flu vaccine.
