The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has kicked off its annual Flu Vaccination Drive, reinforcing its commitment to staff wellness and public health as the island enters the flu season.

The campaign, organized by the hospital’s Infectious Disease and Employee Health teams, is part of SLBMC’s ongoing effort to promote prevention and strengthen frontline resilience. Healthcare workers are being urged to “lead by example” by getting vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients, and their families.

Dr. Margrethe Belle, Administrative Head of the Infectious Diseases and Employee Health Division and Infectious Disease Specialist at SLBMC, described vaccination as “a simple but powerful act of care.”

“As healthcare workers, we interact daily with those most at risk of serious flu-related illness,” Dr. Belle explained. “Getting the flu shot helps protect them and ourselves. It’s one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce infection and keep our hospital community healthy.”

While this particular drive targets hospital employees, Dr. Belle emphasized that flu vaccination remains essential for everyone—especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Philis Humphreys-Harris, Infectious Disease/Employee Health Nurse at SLBMC, echoed the importance of vaccination, sharing her own experience.

“Every year, many people underestimate how serious the flu can be,” she said. “The virus changes each season, but the vaccine provides strong protection—it reduces how sick you get, prevents complications, and helps stop the spread. I got my flu shot last year and haven’t had the flu since—it really works and it saves lives.”

The SLBMC’s Flu Vaccination Drive will continue over the coming weeks, with staff encouraged to get vaccinated at designated hospital stations. The Ministry of Health has also made flu vaccines available to the general public at community health centres and through healthcare providers across the island.