The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has launched its annual Flu Vaccination Drive for staff, reinforcing the importance of prevention and protection as the flu season begins.
The campaign, coordinated by SLBMC’s Infectious Disease and Employee Health teams, encourages healthcare workers to lead by example in protecting themselves, their patients, and their families from influenza.
Dr. Margrethe Belle, Administrative Head of Infectious Diseases Employee Health Division and Infectious Disease Specialist at SLBMC, said vaccination is a simple yet powerful act of care.
“As healthcare workers, we come into contact with people who are most vulnerable to serious flu-related illness. Getting the flu shot helps us protect them and ourselves. It’s one of the safest and most effective tools we have to reduce the spread of infection and keep our hospital community strong.”
While the drive focuses on staff, Dr. Belle stressed that vaccination is important for everyone, especially people with chronic conditions, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Philis Humphreys-Harris, SLBMC Infectious Disease/Employee Health Nurse, encouraged both staff and the wider community to approach vaccination with confidence.
“Every year, many of us experience the flu and recovering can be tougher than we expect. That’s because the flu virus changes each season. But there’s good news—the flu vaccine offers strong protection. It reduces the severity of illness, prevents complications, and helps stop the spread to those most vulnerable.”
Continued Nurse Humphreys-Harris… “I highly recommend getting vaccinated. I received my flu shot for the 2024 period, and I haven’t caught the flu since. It truly works and it saves lives.”
The flu vaccine is available at health centres across the island and through healthcare providers. SLBMC’s staff vaccination drive will run over the next several weeks, with hospital employees urged to take advantage of the opportunity to stay protected this flu season.
“When our healthcare workers roll up their sleeves, they’re setting an example for all of us,” added Dr. Belle. “Prevention starts with each of us doing our part.”