The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that American workers miss approximately 17 million workdays due to the flu each year, costing employers $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity.
One way employers can create a healthier workplace is by hosting on-site influenza vaccination clinics in the office.
Workplace clinics are not a new concept in the employee health space, notes the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, but the way they are implemented and the purposes they serve have evolved. Clinics conducted in the workplace have traditionally focused on minor injuries or treatments, but many are now offering preventive health and even primary care services, including vaccinations. On-site vaccination clinics, according to the CDC, bring a number of benefits, including reducing employer costs, fostering employee morale, and promoting employee wellness.
Developing a plan
The CDC’s guide to workplace vaccination outlines several benefits of on-site vaccination to both employers and employees, including increased vaccination rate, reduced absenteeism, convenience, and improved health.
In the workplace vaccination guide, the CDC notes that a critical step in planning a seasonal clinic is identifying an employee leader whose role aligns with health and wellness and who will champion those values internally. This leader can partner with a vaccine provider or worksite wellness vendor in advance to determine what materials need to be provided on-site based on employee counts and populations. For example, employees who are 65 years of age and older should receive the high-dose vaccine, according to the CDC.
Scheduling the clinic
Once a vendor is selected, the CDC suggests scheduling a date for the seasonal clinic well in advance so employees have ample time to prepare and ask questions. As recommended by the CDC, flu vaccines should be offered by the end of October, but may be offered anytime flu viruses are circulating.
Company-wide events, major meetings, and other factors that may conflict with participation should be kept in mind when selecting a date. Offering multiple days and times will allow employees to select a time that is most convenient for them, which should lead to better participation.
Promoting and rewarding participation
Fostering company awareness is the next step recommended by the CDC to a successful health clinic. Communication through established internal channels is best and should include important items such as logistical details, administrative information, clinical team background, clothing recommendations, and health plan coverage.
The announcement should also highlight the benefits of receiving the vaccine and should be a focal point of all promotional materials. To build employee morale and increase employee attendance, the CDC recommends offering incentives such as providing refreshments and holding a contest for the department with the highest percentage of vaccinated employees.
The agency also suggests that workplace flu clinics demonstrate a top-down commitment to wellness by encouraging leadership to kick-off the event and be the first to receive a vaccine. Once the event is completed, workplace wellness teams can follow up with the promised rewards and thank you notes.
Best practices if on-site health clinics are not possible
If hosting an on-site clinic is not feasible, the CDC suggests employers take other measures to promote employee health and vaccination. Leadership can encourage extended breaks for employees to go off-site and get vaccinated, and share the CDC vaccine finder to help employees find a location near their workplace. Wellness teams can also contact outside clinics to acquire promotional items that can be used to make employees aware of their options.
Implementing workplace flu clinics demonstrates an employer’s commitment to their employees’ health and happiness. Employers that make these clinics part of their annual wellness program not only save themselves time and money, but also help protect their employees – and the public – from illness.
For more information on supplying a workplace flu vaccination clinic, please contact us today.