Flu Vaccination
Flu vaccination reduces employee absenteeism and loss of productivity.
The vaccine protects your employees from the flu for one year. Vaccination should take place 1-2 months before the flu season; or between March and May every year.
Dispelling the Myths
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The flu cannot be contracted from the vaccine as it does not contain live virus particles
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The vaccination is safe
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Immediate adverse events from the vaccination are rare. There is a very low risk of an allergic reaction to the vaccine, and this is far lower than the risk of complications from contracting the flu. Some people can experience some of the following symptoms:
Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
Low grade temperature, muscle aches, drowsiness or tiredness
A temporary small lump at the injection site
Protecting Your Employees
Additional ways to protect your employees include encouraging them to:
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Contact their Doctor if they experience headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation
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Wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes and stay at home when ill.
Workplace Hygeine
Simple workplace hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection:
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Regular hand washing (especially before handling food and after blowing the nose). Sometimes blunt posters are best: "Wash your hands!"
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Wipe high traffic surfaces such as counters, reception areas, desks, door handles, telephones and computers with an alcohol-based cleaner at least twice a day
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Dispose of rubbish and potentially contaminated waste in proper containers
Register your interest in a workplace flu vaccination program for 2010.