It is impossible to overlook the importance of regular flu vaccinations, especially in the workplace. Given its highly contagious nature, the slight occurrence of influenza within the workforce can be detrimental to the corporation’s overall productivity. Ideally, a healthy workplace is a happy workplace.
Management, therefore, needs to ensure that influenza immunisation is considered a priority in a bid to maintain a healthy workforce. One of the major benefits of regular vaccinations is the instigation of herd immunity; a form of immunity where the total vaccination of the herd creates a layer of protection for all members of the population, including those without fully developed immune systems. It is difficult for a virus or bacteria to spread wherever a high percentage of individuals are immunised.
However, there are certain myths that tend to discredit workplace flu vaccinations. Below, we demystify the top misconceptions:
Myth 1. Flu is not a serious condition, thus, implying that I do not need to be vaccinated.
Flu has the potential to turn chronic if not properly managed. In some cases, it leads to a buildup of other compilations such as asthma, eventually causing death. Statistics show that 3.9 individuals out of every 100,000 in Australia die from flu every year. In 2017 alone, 1,255 people died from influenza in the country. Therefore, it is prudent to explore providing a corporate flu vaccination program to help project staff members from the flu.
Myth 2. Influenza vaccination causes severe side effects
Possible side effects of the flu shot are mostly felt at the site of injection. These include pain, swelling, fever, and sores. Other common side effects include malaise and nausea. Nonetheless, they are not severe and wear off in a couple of days. Such reactions can occur within an hour and can last for at most 48 hours. Scientific research shows that these side effects are the body’s way of reacting to polymyxin and neomycin, antibiotics used in the vaccine.
Myth 3. Pregnant ladies should not get flu vaccinations
Flu is a serious condition, especially for expectant ladies. Pregnancy leaves one more susceptible to other health complications that eventually lead to hospitalisation. As such, flu vaccinations are used to protect not only the mother but also the child. What’s more, the fact that babies need to be at least 6 months old for their first influenza vaccine implies that flu shots are the most ideal means of protecting your newborn baby.
Myth 4. Flu vaccines can transmit the disease
This unfounded belief holds that flu shots at the workplace and other public spaces have the ability to transmit influenza. Flu vaccines comprise majorly of killed flu viruses. As such, they cannot bring about any form of infection. They are safe.
AVS is one of Australia’s leading specialist vaccination providers. Our highly experienced team and immunisation nurses provide a simple and effective onsite solution for vaccinating your staff. Our team can help you to get your workforce vaccinated against the most common strains of flu this season, from the comfort of your own location or via our pharmacy partners.