Talking point
Last year, a highly virulent strain of influenza affected colleagues, their families and the NHS, which saw a higher than average number of associated hospital admissions and GP visits.
In addition to the ill health that affected so many colleagues, there was an impact on our ability to provide a reliable service to our customers.
One of the ways you can protect yourself this year is to have a flu jab so that you are potentially inoculated against being infected with the virus.
From today, Monday 14 October, and until 31 December 2019, colleagues can obtain a flu jab voucher from their manager. You can get your free flu jab by presenting the voucher, along with your Royal Mail ID card, at any branch of Lloyds Pharmacy.
We recommend that you contact your local branch of Lloyds Pharmacy in advance to make an appointment as they cannot guarantee an on the spot inoculation if you arrive without an appointment. To find your local branch go to www.lloydspharmacy.com.
If you are an agency worker who has been working for Royal Mail for 12 weeks or more, please speak to your manager about receiving your voucher. They will check your eligibility and print off a voucher.
Some colleagues will be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination due to either having a specified medical condition or being pregnant. If you are eligible for the vaccination via the NHS, you should accept this offer and make arrangements via your local GP surgery or a high street pharmacy.
You are eligible to receive a free NHS flu jab if you:
- are 65 years of age or over
- are pregnant
- receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.
You should also be eligible if you have one of the below medical conditions:
- Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma (which requires an inhaled or tablet steroid treatment, or has led to a hospital admission in the past), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Diabetes
- Problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- Being seriously overweight (BMI of 40 or above)
- Other chronic conditions can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu.
Click here for a list of common flu jab questions and answers.
