www.sdchamber.org

Plenty of Flu Vaccines Available, Keep Your Employees, Family and Friends Healthy

Employees who receive the flu vaccine report 25% fewer incidences of upper respiratory illness, 43% fewer days of sick leave, 44% fewer visits to physicians, and an estimated cost savings of $46.85 per vaccinated employee.

Employers are being asked to encourage their employees to get their flu vaccination; either through onsite flu vaccination clinics, or at one of the many locations open to the public throughout San Diego County.  The flu vaccine is recommended in October, November or December, however, it is not too late to get vaccinated in January or February.

The flu vaccine is available to anyone who would like to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with the flu or transmitting the flu to others.  It is especially recommended for people 50 years of age or older and children six months to under five years of age, even if healthy.  It is also recommended for people who take care of children under five years of age; adults and children with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS and other immune disorders; women who will be pregnant during flu season; residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities; health care workers and providers; and people who live with or provide care for any of the people listed above.

In addition to vaccinations by injection, the FDA recently expanded eligibility for FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine.  FluMist was previously approved for those aged 5-49 years, but can now be given to children as young as two years of age.

Local health organizations, such as the Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP), provide up to date information about where to go for flu vaccinations, as well as information about companies providing employer flu clinics.   For information about flu vaccinations, please visit the Community Health Improvement Partners’ website at www.sdchip.org and click on the “no flu” logo, or call (877) FLU-0202.

Remember, the flu is a serious illness.  More than 36,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu or its complication.  A flu vaccination is an easy way to reduce your risks of catching, and spreading, the flu.