In the past, flu shot efforts have mainly focused on seniors and people with chronic health conditions. Today, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends that almost everyone over the age of six months receive a flu vaccination because anyone can get the flu and anyone can give the flu to somebody else. With this change, employers face a new challenge: to encourage all employees to get vaccinated.
Despite the supporting evidence of the value of flu shots, participation rates at worksites continue to be low. In fact, the average employee participation rate is only 20%. Despite employers offering flu shots, many corporate flu shot programs may be unsuccessful because employees don't understand the infectious and serious nature of the flu.
The key to overcoming misperception is education about the severity of influenza and the need for an annual flu shot. Here are four tips to help get the message out:
- Involve Senior Managers
Top executives can be a strong advocate and encourage employees to participate. You could even have your CEO be the first in line to receive a flu vaccine.
- Develop an Effective Communication Strategy
Consistency is key and having a communication plan can help keep you on track. Use our sample communication plan to get started.
- Identify Champions
Employees at each site know their culture and can help promote the flu shots at the local level. Communicating in person can give employees opportunities to ask questions one-on-one.
- Organize a Friendly Competition
Encourage managers to take a sense of ownership of their participation rates by engaging in some friendly competition among departments.
