Workplace Clinics

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily in workplaces. The best protection against it is immunization (flu shot). Workplaces can help employees and their families by organizing workplace influenza immunization clinics this fall. It's easier than you might think and it's cost effective¹. Research conducted by Buffet Taylor² showed workplace immunization programs as providing employers with a return on investment of over $60 for each worker vaccinated.

• Know the facts about influenza and its impact on your employee's health. Get informed by visiting credible websites such as:

  • www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vpd-mev/influenza-eng.php
  • www.influenza.cpha.ca
  • provincial and territorial government websites
  • local public health offices (agencies) websites



• Review the facts with senior managers, employees and unions. If everyone understands that this is a serious disease for many people, and that it can be easily prevented by immunization, a workplace clinic may be accepted more easily as an important health initiative.

• Assign someone, or a small group, to organize the clinic. Large workplaces may have occupational health staff who can organize and conduct a clinic. You can also hire a health care agency, such as a private nursing agency, to come to your workplace at an agreed time and location. Look in your local yellow pages under ‘nurses'. Private agencies usually provide the vaccine, information and consent forms for a small fee, usually less than $20 per person.

• Promote the clinic to employees and provide them with information on flu prevention methods. You'll find reliable information on the websites listed above. You can also order the Public Health Agency's Flu Prevention Checklist by calling 1-800-454-8302, or access it at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/flupc_e.html. Your local public health office may also have handouts.

• Provide a comfortable location for the clinic, and even some light refreshments if you can. You might want to set a percentage goal of employees to be immunized, and advertise your progress. Don't forget to count how many were immunized at their doctor's office, pharmacy or local health clinic. It all counts!

If you decide against holding a workplace clinic, be sure to inform your employees about the public clinics held in your community, or refer them to their doctor. There may be a small charge in some cases, usually less than $20 per person. It's a small price to pay for protection from influenza.

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References:

1. Nichol, K.L. (2001). Cost-benefit analysis of a strategy to vaccinate healthy working adults against influenza. Archives of Internal Medicine, 161, 749-759.

2. Wang, B. & Buffet, E. (1996). The first comprehensive wellness study. Toronto: Buffet Taylor & Associates.