GPs are being urged to achieve higher uptake of influenza vaccine among both staff and patients this winter.
Deputy NHS chief executive David Flory said he expected ‘much higher' uptake of vaccine among front line staff to protect workers, families and patients and to cut absenteeism.
In a letter to SHA chief executives, he said: ‘Last season, 45% of all frontline healthcare workers involved with direct patient care were reported to have received the seasonal influenza vaccine in England.
'This year, we expect much higher uptake of flu vaccine amongst front line staff and a reduction of the variation (10-90%) seen last year."
The letter said there was no room for complacency around relatively low levels of flu activity last year and confirmed there would be no national advertising campaign this winter.
