A workplace is a distinguished environment where physical contact between employees occurs. When one person has an infectious disease like influenza, it can easily get transmitted to more people. To promote optimal employee performance, reduce workplace absenteeism, and cut healthcare costs, companies should prioritize the health and well-being of their employees.
An excellent corporate wellness program should always include workplace vaccinations. While most employees know that childhood vaccinations are necessary for disease prevention, some still have a knowledge gap about adult vaccinations. In this article, you’ll learn everything about getting your seasonal flu vaccination.
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Why Employees Should Get A Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Despite the success rates vaccines offer against disease prevention, many people still get sick and perish from infectious diseases. According to an international health-centered organization, 16 influenza and pneumonia deaths occur among 100,000 individuals. Casualties could be prevented with proper vaccine education and administration.
To combat this public health concern, many businesses and enterprises are rolling out their flu vaccination programs to give easier access to workers and staff to get the flu shot. Corporate vaccinations may include health assessment, education, documentation, and the vaccination proper, which can make the program successful and effective, like the one from this site: www.onsitehealth.co.nz/.
By joining a vaccination program in your workplace, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Minimize your absences by 60% due to an illness
- Boost your immune system, which can help improve your work performance
- Reduce associated healthcare costs, whether from insurance or out-of-pocket
- Get protected from diseases inside the workplace
- Experience a culture of health and wellness in the organization
The next question is, when and how often should an employee get a flu vaccine?
When And How Often Should You Get One?
Flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness caused by viruses that target the throat, lungs, and nose. Individuals may experience mild to extreme cases of influenza, which may cause severe complications to a certain population, including children two and younger, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with existing medical conditions.
One of the best ways to fight the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine annually. To make the most of your shot, it’s best to get one before the cold season starts. Your workplace will most likely hold vaccination programs during this time as well. Whether it’s the flu season or not, the vaccine will protect you from potential disease transmission.
How much protection do vaccines offer to an employee? The effectiveness can vary from person to person. Generally, they’re more effective for healthy individuals, but if you’re undergoing a medical condition, you may develop less immunity after the shot.
But don’t mistake flu vaccination as your assurance to avoid the flu altogether. You may still contract influenza or less harmful illnesses like coughs or colds, but it could lessen the severity of your condition and lower the risks of serious complications.
What To Expect When Getting Your Flu Vaccine
Although not mandatory, some local and national government bodies, which may set standards and guidelines for workplace environments, expect commercial facilities to provide health services to their workers, including seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations. If you haven’t had your flu shot for the current year, it’s best to look into your company’s policies and announcements regarding flu vaccinations.
Signing up for a flu shot is also optional for employees. Once your company starts the vaccine program implementation, expect a memorandum about voluntary vaccination, where important details related to the event are provided. Your company should mention which healthcare provider will conduct the vaccination. Also, keep in mind that the vaccination should be free of charge, and your employer should compensate you for the time spent receiving your flu shot.
In case you experience any side effects, your sick leave should cover your absences. Should you have no leave credits left, your company may offer flexible negotiations as they have implemented the vaccination in the first place. Knowing your employee rights during this time can help you avoid unsafe working environments that could jeopardize your health and well-being.
Ways To Stay Healthy As An Employee
Excellent health should be your top priority as an employee. When you’re in good condition, you can perform your work roles and responsibilities efficiently, improving your overall quality of life. Getting your flu shot is just one ingredient for good health, so here are some other ways you can safeguard your health as an employee:
- Prepare and eat healthy meals despite a tight schedule.
- Regulate caffeine intake.
- Take frequent breaks and walk outside.
- Get plenty of sleep and rest.
- Keep your workstation clean and hygienic.
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
By incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine, you can feel your best and be more productive at work.
Key Takeaways
Achieving good health and wellness inside the workplace is an effort from you and your employer. While implementing health services and programs is your employer’s responsibility, it’s your turn to take care of yourself by joining flu vaccination programs, educating yourself about employee health rights, and following general health practices inside the workplace.
