Immunisation
Healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious hazards during the course of their employment and in certain circumstances may also transmit infection to patients.
NHS Shetland has statutory responsibilities to protect staff from the risk of infection from biological agents. Employees also have a responsibility to protect their own and other's health and should comply with the NHS Shetland Procedures.
The aims of the immunisation policy are:
- To protect staff from occupationally acquired infection
- To protect patients from communicable diseases which may be transmitted by infected staff
Immunisations
Depending on the occupational risks, staff will be offered immunisation against the following communicable diseases:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B
- Rubella
- Measles
- Mumps
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria
- Typhoid
- Influenza
- Varicella
Pre-employment
Employees will be asked to attend Occupational Health as soon as possible after commencing employment for an immunisation review. For some posts in accordance with NHS in Scotland policy, evidence of protection and immunisation against certain infections may be required before commencement of patient contact work.
During employment
The Occupational Health Service will be responsible for carrying out further immunisations as necessary in accordance with NHS Shetland Procedures. All employees are responsible for ensuring that their immunisations are kept updated as required.
What to do now:
Contact Occupational Health on 01595 743080
