NEARLY half the 4,000-plus strong workforce at Basildon Hospital has now been vaccinated against the flu, just one month after the vaccination became available.

Bosses at the hospital trust started offering the jab on Monday, October 10, which it dubbed “V-day”.

On that day alone, more than 1,000 staff received their shot and more than 50 “flu champions” were lined up to vaccinate colleagues.

Now a further 1,000 staff have taken up the call.

Diane Sarkar, director of nursing, who led by example and was the first to be vaccinated, said it was vital staff had the jab.

She said: “The best way to protect your patients is to protect yourself.

“I think all healthcare staff should regard it as their professional duty to take up the flu vaccination that is on offer to them.

“Not every member of the public is offered the flu jab, largely those over 65 or in ‘at risk’ groups. All patients coming in to hospital are vulnerable.

“That’s why I felt it so important to lead by example, and why staff’s response has been so fantastic, with more than 2,000 staff – nearly half of the workforce – vaccinated in just four weeks.”

Prizes, donated by Club Kingswood in Basildon, were even give out to flu champions who gave the most jabs.