HEALTHCARE staff have been rolling up their sleeves – to protect people from flu.

So far 1622 community and mental health staff from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have become “flu fighters”.

Many of the people they come into contact with on a daily basis are vulnerable – particularly young children, older people and those with a long-term condition or weakened immune system.

For these people, the infections and complications that can be caused by flu can be severe and sometimes fatal.

Pennine Care has been encouraging staff to have their vaccine during the winter months.

Evidence shows that up to a quarter of healthcare professionals may become infected with flu, even during a mild season.

The vaccine helps to keep patients safe, ensures that staff remain healthy and fit to work and protects colleagues and loved ones.

Karen Johnson is a Community Mental Health Nurse based in Bury who uses her annual leave to run staff flu clinics.

Ms Johnson said: “I chose to be part of the flu vaccination campaign for the Trust and have been for the past three years.

“This is because I understand the severity of flu and the devastating effect it can have on my colleagues and the patients we serve if we don’t act to stop it.”

Michala Warburton, Deputy Clinical Lead for South Ward at Fairfield General Hospital, has had her vaccine and said: “I have the jab to protect myself, my fellow staff and the people we look after. This is to minimise sickness which could be easily prevented.”

With many more clinics planned across the Trust between now and Christmas, the number of Pennine Care “Flu Fighters” is only set to increase.

People can see which members of staff has become a “flu fighter” and submitted their flu selfies by visiting facebook.com/penninecareNHSFT