Corporate flu shots are instigated by Australian businesses who are providing themselves with insurance against serious strains of flu.
When one staff member falls foul of one of these seasonal outbreaks, the illness can quickly spread between departments and the usual course of business can be threatened.
To ward this problem off before it arises, there are organisations across major cities, suburban areas and rural regions who are embracing a proactive approach to the health of their employees.
Here we will examine some of the common questions that arise from staff workers and managers who want to know more about the exercise.
What is included with these types of programs?
Booking your staff in for corporate flu shots ventures beyond the moment of the injection. Here is where organisations can access educational reading materials, information on nearby medical facilities and clinics, and access to some of the most experienced and skilled practitioners in the region. The alternative solution to refer employees to their nearest GP clinic or hospital on their own accord won’t offer those guarantees. In these cases there will be inconsistencies with the treatment they are offered and there is a greater risk that an outbreak will still occur.
Should it be considered an annual exercise?
The short answer to this question about corporate flu shots being an annual exercise is yes. The current injection for Australian workers is called the Quadrivalent strain, a vaccine that has been recommended by the World Health Organisation. Yet there will be new and unique strains that develop over time and it is wise for companies to their assets protected from threats new and old.
When should the shots be scheduled?
Managers should understand that most medical organisations who cater to corporate flu shots require at least 4 weeks notice. With that information now setting in, it is advised that companies use the window of May to June to run the program for all of their staff. The peak flu season occurs at the onset of spring in September and October, meaning that recipients of the medicine will be well immunized by the time spring arrives. It can take a number of weeks for these injections to take full effect, so the first couple of weeks of May are an ideal time.
Should businesses do anything in the aftermath?
It is highly recommended that the HR department keep a record of the medical history of their employees irrespective of corporate flu shots. Yet when this program is instigated, it is helpful for this department to keep a close check of sick leave and cases of respiratory illness or other effects that are felt in the aftermath. This will provide a clear return on investment (ROI) gauge for the program, offering an insight into the effectiveness of the shot.
How do we organize the shots?
The goods news is that there are medical organisations who specialize in the realm of corporate flu shots. Simply running a check of private practices that are close to your area and speaking with colleagues and professional networks will be able to lead the way to a certified and reputable organisation. Referring workers to their local hospital or GP won’t glean the same results as we discussed, so get in contact with a nearby provider and they can turn up on site to minimize time off work.
Summary
There will be additional questions that you may have regarding corporate flu shots, such as receiving them when you are feeling ill, in instances when it is your first shot and for how long these injections will offer protection for. This is where it is wise to have each employee have an open dialogue with their personal GP and to feel empowered to ask these questions when the injections are being issued.
