Seasonal flu in the workplace can halt operations in any size company. Worker absences, decreases in productivity and increased healthcare expenditures all impact the bottom line. This year, the pandemic H1N1 flu strain may circulate with traditional seasonal flu viruses – potentially doubling the impact of the flu season on employers.
The best way to prevent the flu in your workplace is to provide employees with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination. Employees, especially those with underlying health conditions, also should plan to receive the pandemic H1N1 vaccination (to be distributed later this fall).
The vaccine can prevent the flu or reduce severity and duration in a person with flu symptoms. Additionally, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of employees developing serious complications. All employees should be educated about the importance of receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, especially older workers and those with pre-existing, chronic conditions.
If your company has not previously held a seasonal flu vaccine clinic for employees, this is the year to do so. NSC’s Prescription for the Flu guide outlines how to plan a worksite flu vaccine clinic. Employers should begin planning now during the summer months, as public health officials encourage people to be vaccinated as soon as the seasonal flu vaccine is available in their community.
When planning your clinic, also consider offering the pneumococcal vaccine to employees. Pneumonia is a frequent and serious complication of both seasonal flu and the H1N1 strain of the flu. The pneumococcal vaccine can be offered at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine.
For more information, read NSC’s tip sheets on how to protect families, employees and businesses from the flu.