Nursing leader encourages employees to get their flu shot to protect themselves, their patients

September 30, 2014

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Tens of thousands of people die each year from the flu. Although anyone can be affected, the elderly and young children – like the ones treated at Texas Children’s – are most susceptible to the illness.

Each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last flu season, more than 100 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Many Texas Children’s patients, however, are too sick to receive the vaccination, which makes protecting yourself even more vital.

“We would never want to expose anyone to the flu,” Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Lori Armstrong said. “We have a responsibility to keep every patient healthy.”

About 4,000 Texas Children’s employees already have taken one for the team and gotten their flu vaccine. Now it’s your turn to do what’s right for you and your patients.

Employee Health is administering free seasonal influenza vaccinations to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers. Leaders from Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Health Centers and The Center for Women and Children will inform their staff about seasonal flu vaccination details.

Click here to view vaccination schedules for both Main and West Campuses. Employee Health strongly encourages you to get your vaccine at one of the times listed on the schedule. If you are unable to do so, please schedule an appointment to get the flu vaccine at the Employee Health Clinic after Wednesday, October 1.

And, remember, getting an annual flu shot is part of Texas Children’s P3 incentive plan, which is an important component of the total rewards you receive at Texas Children’s Hospital. As part of P3 , we are striving for at least 90 percent of our staff to get vaccinated by Monday, December 1. As of September 30, we were less than half way there.