Workplace Health Solutions

Influenza (The Flu)

FLU IMMUNISATION MORE IMPORTANT IN TOUGH BUSINESS TIMES! (See Video)  

SWINE FLU - Latest information go to www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1

Influenza (the flu) is more than a bad cold! It is a serious disease with varying consequences. It can range from feeling very unwell for a few weeks right through to hospitalization and even death in extreme cases. It causes disruption to work, colleagues and personal life.

Studies show that the impact of the flu hitting a workforce has real and significant costs:

  • Interrupted customer service
  • Lost sales
  • Missed deadlines
  • Temporary staff hire costs 
  • Reduced work output when staff stay at work sick 

The flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways a business can help protect itself from the costs of winter staff illness. International studies have shown the cost savings of a workplace vaccination program have been calculated to be over two and a half times the cost of the program.

Being proactive with immunisation is our best and most effective defence.

SOME POINTS WORTH NOTING:

  • Effectiveness of flu vaccination is well established, with up to 90% protection from the illness.
  • Being fit and healthy does not stop you from catching the flu - it is easily spread and anyone can catch it.
  • 20% of people catch the flu each year, and a number of those still turn up to work.
  • A person who goes to work with the flu or any other communicable disease is a hazard in the workplace under the NZ Health and Safety Act (1992).
  • The flu virus changes each year so annual immunisation is required.
  • A recent study has linked the flu to death from heart attacks.

  

HOW CAN WE HELP?

For workplaces with 12 or more staff, MedPro can provide an individualised vaccination program on site.

Your Role:

  • Contact us by phone or via website to make your booking
  • Nominate a contact person
  • Organize a room for the vaccinations to take place
  • Promote the vaccinations to your staff (we have posters and promotional material)
  • Confirm numbers with us one week before your booking
  • Relax and let us do the rest!

Benefits:

  • A healthier, more productive work environment.
  • Minimizes the disruption of winter season absenteeism as well as people turning up to work sick.
  • Reduces spread of illness in the workplace
  • Is more cost effective than individuals going off to their doctor.
  • Encourages greater staff participation.
  • Helps with staff attraction and retention and you being an employer of choice.

  

It has also been demonstrated that vaccination has benefits beyond protecting employees from the flu. A recent study of healthy employees showed those who were vaccinated had:

  • 25% fewer episodes of upper respiratory tract illness (colds)
  • 43% fewer days off work for upper respiratory illness
  • 44% fewer visits to doctors for upper respiratory illness

The vaccination process only requires a few minutes per person and our team stay on your premises for a further period of time to monitor your staff and answer any questions they may have.

Note: The vaccination will not give you the flu. Only a very small percentage of people have a mild reaction to the vaccine that can last a couple of days; while most people report no symptoms at all.

For more information contact MedPro today

Help to keep your staff well!