Protecting Employees from the Flu Is Good for Business
bcbsm
| 3 min read
Did you know that someone in your office could be carrying the flu virus without showing any symptoms? That means employees can pass the virus on to others before they even know they’re sick. Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Employees stay healthy and remain productive, and your business can save on health care costs. Yet, still less than half of Americans get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This flu season, through education and planning, you can take steps to keep the flu from limiting your company’s potential. Promote the importance of the flu shot throughout your workplace and encourage your employees to protect one another as well as themselves this flu season. We put together a tool kit of materials to help businesses educate employees about the importance of getting a flu shot as well as how they can get one. Find them under "More Toolkits" at bcbsm.com/engage. Here are a few ways your organization can help keep employees healthy this flu season:
- During open enrollment and new employee orientations, hand out the Blue Cross flu shot FAQ document. It discusses common concerns about the flu shot and answers questions about flu shot benefits.
- Place posters in high-traffic employee areas such as restrooms, elevators and break rooms, as well as your human resources office.
- Remind employees about their flu shot benefits in your organization’s newsletters, office memos and other internal communications.
- Print or electronically share fliers to encourage healthy practices that can prevent the flu from spreading.
- Encourage your employees to visit bcbsm.com/preventflu for more information.
Other ways you can protect your employees from getting sick include:
- Encourage frequent hand washing within the workplace.
- Place hand sanitizer throughout your office in high-traffic areas.
- Help stop the spread of germs on doors, keyboards, printers and phones by keeping these areas sanitized.
- Talk with your employees about what to do if they are sick. Keeping employees home when they have the flu is one of the best ways to keep the virus from spreading around the office.
By providing your employees these facts about flu shots, you can keep your workforce healthy — and productive — this flu season. Visit a participating pharmacy with your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network ID card to get your flu shot today. While most pharmacies will accept your coverage, be sure to ask before you get your vaccine. Then, write down the date and let your doctor know at your next appointment so he or she can keep your immunization chart up to date. You can also schedule an appointment with your primary doctor to get one. Your office visit copayment may apply. For Blue Cross members without BCBSM pharmacy coverage: Visit bcbsm.com/preventflu to see a list of immunizing pharmacies that provide vaccines under your medical coverage. If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
- Heading South for the Winter? Get Your Flu Shot First
- Free Flu Shots for Members at Walk-In Centers
- 4 Reasons Everyone Should Get a Flu Shot
Photo credit: LinkedIn
