THOUSANDS of health staff are to be vaccinated against Flu as the winter months approach.

At the beginning of October, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust will begin vaccinating more than 7,500 hospital and community NHS staff to protect patients, staff and the public against flu.

Last year, the trust vaccinated 86.1 per cent of its staff, the second highest for acute trusts in the country.

But the trust, which currently employ 8,150 staff said it this year aims to set the bar 'even higher'.

Chris Pearson, director of nursing at ELHT said: “As the flu season approaches, ELHT will take part in a national initiative to encourage as many NHS staff as possible to have their flu jab.

“The annual ‘Flu Fighter’ campaign will be starting in October and is vital in protecting our patients, their families and carers, which is our priority as a trust."

It comes after NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens urged hospitals in England to be prepared for a 'pressurised' flu season this winter.

The comments from Mr Stevens come at the tail end of a "heavy flu outbreak" in the Southern Hemisphere during its winter.

Pennine Lancashire health and care organisations said they are now 'gearing up for the winter months.'

East Lancashire Hospitals, NHS Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups and Blackburn Council and Lancashire County Council, said they are 'collaborating' to ensure that NHS and other care services are ready for flu and other health challenges presented by the colder winter months.

They said they will follow a national flu immunisation programme and their own winter resilience plan.

While Blackburn with Darwen CCG has also launched a major drive aimed at protecting families against flu, with health chiefs urging parents, guardians and carers to vaccinate their children against flu.

Dr Preeti Shukla, a GP in Blackburn and a clinical lead at the CCG said it is 'really important' that we get as many children vaccinated against flu as possible

"This helps protect other members of the community such as grandparents," said Dr Shukla.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council’s director of public health, said: "The flu vaccine can save lives and it is essential to get the jab when it is offered by your doctor or employer."

People have been advised that best time to have the vaccine is in the autumn from the beginning of October to early November.

The flu vaccine is available for free on the NHS for anyone over the age of 65, pregnant women, children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long term heart or respiratory disease), and children and adults with weakened immune systems.

People should also contact their GP practice if they are in one of the risk groups described.