Workers at Guyra’s tomato farm lined up to get shot last week. However they were not facing a firing squad, it was in fact a group of nurses from Hunter New England Health and they were on the receiving end of their annual flu vaccinations.

First aid officer Mick Rusden suggested the idea as a preventative measure, given that the humid conditions in the glasshouses provide an ideal atmosphere for the spread of the virus. Human Resources Manager at the plant Clint Adams took the idea to HNEH and, with the assistance of Acting Health Service Manager at Guyra MPS Felicity Wardle, was able to offer employees vaccinations at the plant.

“It is a great idea and we appreciate the assistance of HNEH in coordinating the campaign,” he said

“This is a win/win situation for both the workers and management. The vaccinations will hopefully mean less of the workers get the flu and less sick days means greater productivity.”

The team of nurses lead by Community Health Nurse Bronwyn Atkins administered the flu vaccinations to around 50 workers last Friday and while some were a little nervous most were keen to take advantage of the offer. With 3000 deaths in Australia each year from the flu she praised the initiative.

“Anything that you can do to stop the spread of the disease is a good idea,” she said. “It means workers will have less time off work and the risk of complications is lessened.”

The vaccination is 95% effective, however it takes two weeks for full immunity to be reached meaning it is possible to pick up the virus during this period. The vaccine is particularly important for the elderly and anyone with chronic diseases such as asthma and emphysema.