HUNDREDS of Basingstoke hospital staff have been leading by example by having their annual flu vaccination.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) staff who work in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover hospitals have been given their annual flu vaccination at drop-in clinics and through vaccination staff visiting wards and departments.

The staff vaccination campaign will run until mid December, and so far more than 1,500 staff have already taken the opportunity to have their jab early, before the traditional start of the flu season.

HHFT chief nurse Donna Green said: “For most people, flu is just unpleasant, but for some of our patients it can be really serious.

“I’m really pleased to see that so many staff have already had their flu jabs in preparation for winter, to help protect patients, families and colleagues.”

People at most risk from flu are entitled to receive free jabs, including those over 65, carers, either in receipt of carer’s allowance or who are the main carer of a person whose welfare would be at risk if they fell ill, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. Contact your local surgery to find out more.