Flu Season about to hit!

Absenteeism currently costs the Australian economy about $7 billion, while the cost of employees are sick on the job is approximately $34 billion through lost productivity.  Influenza, or as it’s commonly known, “the Flu”, is a highly contagious virus that can affect the entire body. It’s easily spreadable and is contagious even before symptoms appear. Being vaccinated is the most effective way to help the body strengthen its immunity against infection and prevent contracting the influenza virus and passing it on to others in the workplace, at home or on the daily commute.

Having a workplace vaccination is a way that employers can assist  employees, ensuring that they get their vaccinations particularly when the flu and COVID-19 are still highly prevalent within the community.  Annual influenza vaccine should occur anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.

However, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.

Pregnant women should receive the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.

Influenza vaccines can be given on the same day with a COVID-19 vaccine. There is no set timeframe to wait between having a COVID-19 infection and then having the influenza vaccine. Once you are feeling well and have no fever, you may receive an influenza vaccine.

The best way to prevent the spread of either infection is to get vaccinated. As with influenza vaccinations, having a COVID-19 vaccination provides an extra level of protection against being infected and also helps slow the spread of infection to others who may be more vulnerable to severe complications. Being vaccinated is the most effective way to help the body strengthen its immunity against infection and prevent contracting the influenza virus and passing it on to others in the workplace, at home, or on the daily commute.

By offering flu vaccinations to your employees, you will:

• Reduce absenteeism due to influenza, and associated cost to businesses
• Promote a healthy workforce
• Demonstrate your organisation’s interest in workforce health and wellbeing
• Limit employee disruption and increased workloads for employees that are not infected.