THE Welsh Ambulance Service is on a mission to reduce the spread of flu by vaccinating as many of its staff and volunteers as possible.

More than 600 of 3,000 staff across Wales have already been vaccinated since the beginning of October.

This year the free vaccinations have also been offered to the Trust’s volunteers, including Community First Responders and St John Cymru Wales.

Vaccinations are vital to protect staff, their families and patients, many of whom are older and have underlying medical conditions, which means they are particularly vulnerable to flu.

They also reduce sickness absence of staff, so that patients get the best level of care during the busy winter period.

Newly appointed Chief Executive Tracy Myhill will lead by example on November 19 when she and her Executive Team colleagues have their jabs at a Trust Board meeting in Wrexham.

Tracy said, “It’s so important that staff choose to get vaccinated to help protect themselves, their families and patients, and we’re really pleased with the uptake so far.

“We see thousands of patients every year whose age or poor health means flu could have a serious impact on their lives. The vaccinations are safe, effective, and really do help to protect others.”

In April, the Trust won NHS Employers’ Most Improved Flu Fighter Campaign award after its efforts to vaccinate staff last season meant the uptake trebled, from 10 per cent in 2012-13, to 30 per cent in 2013-14.

Last year was the first time ever that staff were vaccinated in-house, whereas in previous years staff were encouraged to visit a flu clinic or their local GP for vaccination. Staff can still visit a flu clinic or their local GP if they prefer, or if it is more convenient.

Flu is a highly infectious viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes, and symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, cough, muscle aches and fatigue.

For the majority of people who catch it flu is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.

The Trust is reminding the public that its NHS Direct Wales service is available 24/7 for information and advice and to help you beat winter bugs.

Take part in the Flu Quiz to test your knowledge of the virus, or answer questions about your symptoms and general health on the Cold and Flu Symptom Checker to get tailored advice on the best course of action.

Since the start of the season, more than 880 people have taken the quiz and more than 460 people have tested their symptoms on the Cold and Flu Symptom Checker.

Alternatively, call 0845 46 47 to speak to a nurse adviser.

You can also visit Public Health Wales’ Beat Flu website for a wealth of information, including a free, downloadable game for children which promotes the benefits of flu vaccination.