As the annual flu vaccine programme and Coronavirus booster jabs are rolled out, a new study, funded by Public Health Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, has shown that clear and informative messages about the benefits of vaccination could encourage increased uptake among NHS staff.

Behavioural scientists from Sheffield Hallam University carried out the study on behalf of Public Health Wales to support improved take up of the annual influenza vaccine.

Researchers from the University’s Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology (CeBSAP) carried out interviews with 36 employees at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) to explore factors influencing flu and Covid-19 vaccine uptake.

They found a number of factors positively influencing uptake including the importance of having the vaccine to protect themselves, others, and the NHS as well as receiving support from work to take time out of work to get the vaccine.

The study also revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has increased their understanding of the need for the influenza vaccine.