The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can’t track every case of the flu. They only track flu cases treated by health care providers. According to their estimates, the flu causes between 9.3 and 49 million illnesses every year (in the United States).
Despite easy access to a flu shot clinic, during last year’s flu season, more than 40% of Americans said they had no plans to get a flu shot.
How many people in your workplace made the same decision this year? Even one is too many because that one person could get the flu and infect many others, including you.
You can help prevent a flu outbreak in your workplace and increase employee morale.
Read our short guide on how to set up a flu clinic for staff. It’s the right thing to do.
Choose the Clinic
Remember, this is a mobile flu vaccine clinic—they bring the nursing staff and the supplies to your workplace. When selecting the clinic, make sure they bring all materials needed including:
- Privacy Curtains
- Garbage Cans
- Table Cloths
Give the clinic an estimate of how many employees you think will get vaccinated. Also, discuss who’ll promote the clinic. Most flu shot agencies have promotional materials about workplace flu vaccinations for you to use.
Timing Is Everything
Make sure you plan the flu shot clinic so that it’s convenient for your staff.
The point of offering flu shots at the workplace is to ensure your employees get the shot. Try not to hold the clinic during the first part of the workday or after work hours.
It’s common for employers to hold clinics during lunch breaks. Depending on the size of your company, you may need to consider a more flexible schedule on flu shot day.
Don’t give staff a reason not to attend.
Promote Your Flu Shot Clinic
If no one knows you’re giving away flu shots, you’ll have a poor turnout. Promote early and promote often! This is where your clinic staff can help by providing handouts and other promotional materials.
Have your HR team send email blasts. If you use a company intranet, promote the clinic there. Post the flu shot clinic details in your company newsletter.
Hang fliers in breakrooms and other community areas. Managers can also promote the clinic in their team meetings.
Make Signing Up Easy
If you make signing up as easy as possible, you’ll encourage more participation.
Promote convenience and ease of use. For example, talk about how simple it is to stop by the clinic at breaktime. Who wants to spend part of their weekend or a personal day getting a flu shot, right?
Stress how much easier it is to get the flu shot vs. taking sick days. Most people take several weeks to feel completely well after having the flu.
Ready to Keep Your Employees Healthy?
When you host a company-sponsored flu shot clinic, you’ll have a healthier workforce. You’ll also reduce the costs of healthcare during the flu season.
Don’t let the flu hold back your staff or your business!
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