National Influenza Vaccination Week is here.
If you’re looking for ways to promote this week that’s focused on the importance of the flu shot, we’re here to help. The week-long observance is December 5-9. It’s recommended anyone six months and older get a flu shot to prevent catching it this year. Most insurances cover the vaccine, too.
Flu activity has skyrocketed this season. Last week alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 19,000 patients were admitted to the hospital due to influenza.
Experts agree a flu shot is a way to keep the flu away.
Below we share nine easy ways to promote and encourage a flu shot this week.
Given the high seasonal activity for flu this year, it’s important for your employees to seriously consider a flu shot. So far this season, there have been a minimum of 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 flu deaths.
There’s no time like now — the height of flu season — to encourage your team to get their flu shot. Here’s how:
Even if you plan to host an on-site flu vaccine clinic, some employees may not be comfortable with that. Offer them the information and resources you have and let them make their decision. Be sure to encourage vaccinations by any means possible.
Here are a few ways to do it:
Lead by example. If you plan to host a work flu shot clinic, leaders and managers should consider going first. It shows leadership also cares about their health and believes in flu shot promotion.
If you haven’t sent your monthly email newsletter, be sure to add a blurb about flu vaccines, flu prevention, and more. It’s a perfect time to mention it’s vaccination week, too. If you’re hosting an on-site flu shot clinic, let folks know the details.
Perhaps this is the most obvious way to promote National Influenza Vaccination Week, but it’s too great of an opportunity to miss! Schedule an on-site flu shot clinic to make it easier for everyone in the workplace.
Vaccinated employees have:
Even for those who aren’t quite ready for a flu shot, be sure to have informational brochures for them to check out. Remote employees can also receive vouchers to get a flu shot in their area. Want to know more? Request flu shot clinic information here.
There are so many valuable and informative flu flyers available for workplaces. Find your favorites and print them to hang around the office. These are useful for viewing even past National Influenza Vaccination Week as the flu season runs as late as May. Check out the CDC’s flu print resources.
Split your employees up into teams for a quick game of trivia. You can use the most recent facts and stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the basis for your trivia questions.
Here are a few questions to get started:
Award prizes to the winning team members or bring in a catered healthy lunch!
Humor is one way to get the message across during National Influenza Vaccination Week. If you feel like your messaging of flu shots is falling on deaf ears, try a little humor. Laughing and a sense of humor can strengthen the immune system, research shows. Check out and share this post of 19 Flu Memes Sure to Resonate With Your Employees This Flu Season.
Short on time and planning? No worries. There are a ton of excellent resources surrounding flu shots out there. Just be sure to use reliable sources.
Some resources to email your team:
The more information they have about the flu and its repercussions, the more likely they may opt for their flu shot. It’s never too late for a flu shot, especially with this season’s activity!
One way to make your National Influenza Vaccination Week memorable is to host a create-a-flu–shot-song content. Allow individuals or teams to come up with a song (set aside 15 minutes or so for brainstorming and creation) and then have each team perform for the group. Humor is remembered better than anything else, so the message will reach your team members better.
Last but not least, make National Influenza Vaccination Week an exciting topic to talk about. While some may not see shots as “fun,” your workplace wellness champions can still excite your team.
Here are a few ways to do it:
Employees will be more likely to participate if there’s some excitement to be had!
Flu season is just beginning to peak and then declines in February. If your team hasn’t gotten their shots yet, there is still time. The above ideas are just a few ways to inspire them to consider the shot.
Even if they don’t like needles, they can get a vaccine. There are pharmacies that offer a nasal spray flu vaccine as well that can be used for those who are ages two through 49 years old.
With the increased flu activity, there’s no better time to encourage friends, loved ones, and employees to get their annual flu shot. Take the time to get the word out in the workplace any way you can whether it’s via email, social media, meetings, flyers, or hosting an actual flu shot clinic.
Check out our flu shot clinic resources to learn more.