STAFF HEALTH

All staff are required to undergo a occupational health check prior to employment; this includes ensuring they are up to date with immunisations, including two doses of MMR and Tetanus.

FEMALE STAFF

For pregnant staff

• If a pregnant woman develops a rash or is in direct contact with someone with a potentially infectious rash, this should be investigated by a doctor
• The greatest risk to pregnant women from such infections comes from their own child/children, rather than the workplace.
• Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has not already had the infection. Report exposure to midwife and your local doctor at any stage of pregnancy. The local doctor and antenatal carer will arrange a blood test to check for immunity.
• Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, so anyone who has not had chickenpox is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with a case of shingles.
• German measles (rubella). If a pregnant woman comes into contact with german measles she should inform her local doctor and antenatal carer immediately to ensure investigation. The infection may affect the developing baby if the woman is not immune and is exposed in early pregnancy.
• Slapped cheek disease (fifth disease or parvovirus B19) can occasionally affect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks), inform whoever is giving antenatal care as this must be investigated promptly.
• Measles during pregnancy can result in early delivery or even loss of the baby. If a pregnant woman is exposed she should immediately inform whoever is giving antenatal care to ensure investigation.
• All female staff born after 1970 working with young children are advised to ensure they have had two doses of MMR vaccine.
• The above advice also applies to pregnant students.