Why the Flu Shot is Good For Your Business

Posted October 16, 2023 by Pamela L. Krutkiewicz, MSEd, MPA, CWP, Senior Health Promotion Specialist

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Fall may be the time for pumpkin spice flavored drinks and admiring color-changing foliage, but it’s also the kickoff to flu season. When combined with COVID-19, serious cases of the flu put an enormous strain on our hospitals and healthcare workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza was associated with nine million illnesses, four million medical visits, 10,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths during the 2021 – 2022 flu season. While these numbers are sobering, there are things employers can do to help prevent an outbreak in the office. Studies show seasonal flu vaccines can help keep your employees healthy and lessen their chances of serious illness or hospitalization should they contract the flu.

A flu epidemic in the workplace can lead to higher healthcare costs, increased absenteeism and lost productivity. When employees spread the illness to their family members, there can be an added caregiving burden. And for those employees who may try to work while sick, a decrease in focus can lead to costly mistakes and safety concerns.

Protect your employees by planning ahead

As part of SummaCare’s benefits packages, companies can tailor their plans to include preventive health and well-being strategies to help sustain a healthy workforce. One example is covering an annual well visit at no cost to the employee (including any needed vaccinations). Another example is offering free flu vaccines at a workplace clinic or local pharmacy. 

Consider finding a free vaccination clinic through your city’s health department or local hospital and publicize it to your employees via emails, calls, pamphlets, posters, texts and web-based communication channels.

Some organizations, like hospitals and nursing homes, require proof of an annual flu vaccination as a requirement of employment. If this isn’t something you are comfortable doing, consider offering a reward or incentive to employees who get vaccinated. Some ideas include company-branded swag, raffle prizes, gift cards or additional PTO/flex time. Even better, allow them to get their vaccines during paid work hours!

Facts about the flu vaccine

• Everyone ages six months and older should get a flu vaccine annually (unless advised otherwise by your doctor).
• The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. 
• September and October are the best time to get vaccinated before the start of flu season.
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. 
• Vaccinated individuals who do become ill with flu typically experience a shorter, milder illness than those who aren't vaccinated.

More Helpful Tips

In addition to vaccines, organizations should promote healthy workplace practices such as hand washing and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces like phones, keyboards and doorknobs. Encourage employees to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home when they’re not feeling well. Make sure the office is stocked with supplies like tissues, soap, paper towels, hand sanitizers and disposable disinfecting wipes.
Keep in mind, the flu is highly infectious, people may be able to infect others before their symptoms develop and up to a week after becoming sick. Encourage employees who are sick to stay home to help prevent the spread of germs and illness.

To learn more about the health and wellness benefits offered by SummaCare to MEWA members, visit https://www.summacare.com/shop-employers/plan-benefits.

SummaCare members can receive the flu vaccination from any in-network pharmacy at no cost (no copay). Click here to begin entering your search criteria.