According to the CDC, the flu affects around 5% to 20% of the United States population every year.
As the cold weather season is upon us, chances are most of us will be in contact with someone who has the flu. The flu or influenza is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Americans each year.
One characteristic of the flu is that it spreads very easily, so regardless of the size of the workplace, most employers must account for some unexpected influenza-related absences. The real trouble begins when multiple employees come down with the flu simultaneously, leaving the remaining workers understaffed and overworked.
Corporate flu immunization programs change how organizations deal with the flu season and make flu vaccinations a business priority.
How Does it Work?
The best action employers can take at this time is to prevent the spread of influenza in their workplace by implementing corporate flu immunization programs.
Employers can choose the best vendor for their company and select the time and place to administer the vaccines. A flu vaccination coordinator or a medical team will further arrange the administration of the vaccines.
Often, the immunization process can be held on-site at the workplace, clinic, or any place of convenience to the employer and vendor.
Flu Immunization helps in the Fight against COVID-19
For most people, the flu will not cause major health complications. Still, it can require hospitalization, missing work and have more severe consequences in certain cases. High-risk groups are more vulnerable and susceptible to developing complications.
Increased hospitalizations can be a huge burden to the medical industry and lower the medical attention and resources of COVID-19 patients. The combination of flu season and COVID-19 can overwhelm the health care system.
Will the Flu Shot protect against COVID-19?
Our world has been changed and shaped with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why now, more than ever, it is important that employers ensure the health and safety of their staff. Although the influenza vaccine will not protect against the coronavirus, it can protect from the flu.
Employer Benefits
American businesses that provide influenza immunization gain the following advantages:
- Increased productivity.
- Reduced influenza-related employee absenteeism.
- Minimal disruption of routine activities in the workplace.
- No additional workload for non-infected employees.
- No replacement-personnel costs.
- Clear Return on Investment (ROI).
- Decreased spread of the flu to coworkers, vendors, clients, etc.
- Decreased short-term disability claims.
- Increased employee commitment by working for an employer that cares.
- Overall, a healthier and happier workplace.
Employees Benefits
- Helps prevent the flu from spreading to family, friends, and social circles.
- Opportunity to receive the flu vaccine without taking time off work to visit a doctor.
- Avoid strained relationships with coworkers due to absences and understaffing.
- Approximately 75% lower chances of catching the virus.
- Better and more enjoyable winter holidays and vacations.
Flu season does not have to be synonymous with loss of productivity for organizations. Employers can safeguard their most valuable assets and reduce losses at the same time.
