Workplaces prepare for flu season

Vaccination programs are being implemented by an increasing number of businesses to minimise the impact the flu will have on their workplace, according to health and safety service provider Medvet.

Employers Mutual has experienced the benefits of a workplace vaccination program against influenza for the last six years. The company worked with Medvet last year to offer flu vaccinations to all its staff and it was reported more than 30% of the workforce participated in the program.

“We all lead busy lives and often don’t have time to make an annual appointment with our GP for a flu vaccination,” Employers Mutual General Manager Greg Connor said.

“We found that providing our staff with the opportunity to be vaccinated during work hours not only enhanced their personal health and wellbeing, but also helped to limit the spread of the flu through our office.

“We will continue to offer our staff Medvet’s flu vaccination service in 2013.”

According to Medvet Managing Director Greg Johansen: “The 2013 flu season has arrived early in Australia and has officially been declared a pandemic in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Influenza constitutes 10-12% of all absenteeism in the workplace, costing Australian businesses an average of 1.5 million days of sick leave and at least $175 million every year.

“It has been predicted that the number of people affected by influenza in 2013 will be double that of last year, which will considerably impact Australian businesses.”

Johansen said more businesses were realising that workplace vaccination programs could significantly reduce absenteeism resulting from the spread of influenza and subsequently increase productivity.

“Implementing a ‘hassle-free’ vaccination program for employees can increase the percentage of your workforce who have some form of protection against the virus,” he said.

Medvet offers a vaccination program that can provide on-site vaccination services against influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus (which also provides protection against diphtheria and whooping cough). Experienced and qualified vaccination nurses administer the vaccines.