Employees' flu shots boost productivity, save money

Missed deadlines, poor customer service, stressed employees ... sound familiar? With the onset of flu season these scenarios are common in businesses that are shorthanded due to sick employees.

It is estimated that the average worker will miss up to 1.5 days a year because of the flu, and to employers that means absenteeism ultimately resulting in lower productivity.

But if those workers choose or are encouraged to stay at work, loss of productivity and profitability could be truly significant.As an employer you do have options and the power to educate employees on the benefits of flu shots and to evaluate sick leave policies that either encourage or discourage a sick employee to come to work.

There is good news this flu season.

Locally, there is no apparent shortage of flu shots and as of Oct.

24, 2005 individuals outside the "high-risk" and "priority" groups have been free to get one.

Due to higher demand for flu shots this year, it is possible that supplies will vary from location to location and provider to provider, but the overall picture looks bright in terms of supply this flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly 80 million doses will be distributed nationwide that's up from 61 million last year.

There are numerous options when communicating to employees about where, when and how to get a flu shot.

First, check with your health care insurance provider to see if your company is eligible for an on-site flu shot event.

In many cases, especially for small businesses, this may not be feasible, however literature containing scheduled flu shot events across northern Nevada should be available to provide to employees.Many insurance programs provide for free or low-cost flu shots for members.

Include information in employee newsletters, paychecks and break rooms.

Spread the word and spread it fast.

Flu shots are easy to get (a simple injection in the arm) and are given across town at events in locations ranging from grocery stores to hospitals.

While flu shots do not protect against all strains of influenza, there is solid evidence to support the fact that individuals who receive a flu shot have fewer illnesses during the flu season than those who do not.

So encouraging employees to get a flu shot will most likely benefit your company resulting in fewer sick days - and if you do not provide for sick leave, will lessen the impact of sick employees in the workplace infecting other employees-a snowball effect that can be extremely costly to your business.

It is important to consider the short-term and long-term effects on a sick employee staying home versus one that shows up and potentially infects numerous other employees.

Both cost you time and money, but which scenario causes the least overall negative impact? Just some food for thought when considering your company's sick leave policy and whether or not to provide information to employees on flu shots.

Think this out objectively and do not forget the impact on the cost of health care.

Many individuals question the point of getting a flu shot, especially those who rarely get the flu.While some people do not exhibit significant symptoms of the flu, it is still possible that they have contracted the illness and can spread it to others, including those who are at high risk for developing serious complications.

Influenza "flu" is a highly contagious disease.

It is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throats of others.

Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions.

It can cause high fever and seizures in children, and kills about 36,000 Americans and sends nearly 200,000 to the hospital each year.

Bottom line: Getting vaccinated can prevent influenza and most importantly can assist in protecting you and the people around you.

If you have severe allergies or are currently moderately to seriously ill, it is a good idea to consult a physician before getting vaccinated.

And, this is the time to do it.

Influenza season typically peaks in February, but can start as early as November or December.

Please note that most people need just one flu shot annually.

At the end of the day, the best way to make this winter season a productive one is to encourage employees to get a flu shot and while you're at it get one for yourself.

In the long run it'll save you money and might even keep you healthier this year.

A deeper look To learn more about influenza vaccinations, ask your healthcare provider or call the local Health Department.

You can also call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 800-232-4636.

Ty Windfeldt is marketing director for Hometown Health.

Contact him at 982- 3100 or twindfel@hometownhealth.com.