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Over 17,000 vaccines were donated to UNICEF following last year’s flu vaccination campaign at University Hospitals Birmingham.

University Hospitals Birmingham Charity made a significant contribution to global health on behalf of UHB colleagues who did  the right thing and had their flu jab.

These vaccines, which protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, will be used to immunise children in areas with limited access to healthcare.

While these routine vaccinations have made these diseases rarer in Britain, they still cause serious harm and even death in many developing nations.

The donation was a result of last year’s successful flu vaccination campaign at UHB, where over 8,000 colleagues received a flu jab. For each jab, UHB Charity donated two vaccines to UNICEF.

The initiative not only encouraged hospital staff to protect themselves and their patients from the flu but also extended that protection to vulnerable children globally.

With the support of the entire UHB community, the charity has been able to deliver on its promise, providing life-saving vaccines to thousands of children who might otherwise have gone without.

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of UHB Charity, expressed his pride in the campaign’s success and its far-reaching impact: "We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with this initiative. Not only did we help protect our staff and patients during flu season, but we also made a significant contribution to global health by providing over 17,000 vaccines to children in need.

“This is a testament to the generosity and commitment of everyone at UHB, and we are happy to support UNICEF’s vital work."

The donation has been welcomed by UNICEF, which continues to work tirelessly to ensure that children in vulnerable regions receive the essential immunisations they need.

Margaret Garbett, Chief Nurse at UHB, also highlighted the importance of this initiative: "The success of our flu campaign and the subsequent donation to UNICEF is a reflection of our commitment to both local and global health.

“By getting vaccinated, our staff not only protected themselves and those they care for, but also contributed to a greater cause. We are proud to have played a part in safeguarding the health of children worldwide, and we will continue to support efforts that make a positive difference both here at home and around the world."

Prof. Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer at UHB, also praised the campaign and its impact: “This initiative exemplifies the broader role that healthcare professionals can play in making a difference both locally and globally.

“By participating in our flu vaccination campaign, our staff have not only protected themselves and their patients, but they've also contributed to the health and well-being of children in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

“ It's a powerful reminder of the impact we can have beyond our immediate environment. Thank you to UHB Charity for supporting such a brilliant initiative that cements flu vaccination as absolutely ‘the right thing to do’”

Last year’s UHB flu vaccination campaign saw a positive uptake among staff, with many motivated by the knowledge that their participation would directly contribute to a charitable cause.

This year’s annual flu vaccination campaign will begin at the start of October.