A shortage of staff and lack of funding is the real threat to the NHS, not too few staff getting the flu jab, health service union UNISON has said.

Commenting this week after the government’s top medical advisers indicated the flu jab should be compulsory for NHS staff, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “It’s important not to lose sight of the real threat to the NHS. It isn’t flu, but the shortage of staff and the lack of funding.”

She added: “The NHS flu fighter campaign, which encourages NHS and social care staff to have the flu jab, is a very positive initiative. Unions are promoting it, so staff are fully informed about its benefits and it’s made available to all those who want it. But some people are allergic to the vaccine and shouldn’t be forced to have it. Making it mandatory could also be counter-productive, potentially tying employers up in legal wrangles and further damaging already fragile staff morale.”

The Government says across the NHS, 59 per cent of staff have had the vaccine but in some Trusts less than 3 in 10 staff are protected.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer said: “Flu can kill and it is important we all take it seriously. The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the flu jab. If you are suffering from flu-like symptoms you should catch your coughs or sneezes in tissues, bin the tissue immediately, and wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.”

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS England medical director said: “The recent flu figures are a reminder that NHS staff should protect themselves, patients and their loved ones by getting vaccinated. We should have a measured debate about making this the norm for doctors, nurses and other frontline NHS staff before next winter.”

However, figures released this week confirmed UNISON’s concerns about the staffing crisis facing the NHS, revealing the health service is ‘haemorrhaging’ nurses, with 33,000 leaving each year.