The NHS Executive has decided that immunising NHS staff against influenza 'should be regarded as an acceptable part of planning the coming winter' because of the 'exceptional' millennium period. But no additional money will be made available. New guidance says 'employers deciding to offer vaccine will do so on the basis that the outlay on supplies of vaccine and its administration is likely to be outweighed by savings from reduced staff absence. . . and a reduced need to bring in additional staff.'

www.doh.gov.uk/coinh.htm