Each year, the cold and flu season brings extra germs and increased health risks. The flu, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases can spread quickly, especially in workplaces where people share spaces and interact closely.
The numbers show the impact: each year in the U.S., millions of people fall ill from the flu, with hundreds of thousands requiring hospitalization and tens of thousands, tragically, losing their lives. During the 2023-2024 flu season, the CDC estimated at least 34 million flu illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 17,000 deaths, including 199 pediatric deaths. COVID-19, too, continues to pose risks, with long-term effects sometimes seen even in mild cases.
For employers, flu and COVID-19 season also bring significant costs. The flu alone costs an estimated $11.2 billion annually in the U.S. in both direct and indirect expenses, from healthcare costs to lost productivity. Vaccines, however, play a powerful role in cutting down these numbers. For example, the CDC reports that flu vaccination during the 2023-2024 respiratory season helped prevent 7.4 million flu-related illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 3,500 deaths.
By implementing a voluntary vaccination program and offering on-site flu and COVID-19 shots, workplaces can reduce these risks, helping protect their employees’ health and supporting a strong and resilient workforce. So, why not bring the vaccination clinic to your workers and contribute to disease control where it’s most needed?
Why Vaccination Programs at Work?
Winter is often known as “cold and flu season” for a reason: colder weather means people spend more time indoors, often close to one another. Less fresh air and more shared spaces allow viruses to spread quickly. During this time, both the flu and COVID-19 pose significant risks. The result? A higher chance of employees catching and spreading illnesses, which can lead to worker shortages and longer recovery times.
Seasonal factors also make flu and COVID-19 especially challenging. Lower humidity levels in winter can allow viruses to survive longer on surfaces and in the air. Additionally, decreased exposure to sunlight in the colder months may lower Vitamin D levels, which are crucial for immune health. These combined factors contribute to higher infection rates.
Workplace vaccination programs take the guesswork and scheduling stress out of getting vaccinated. When flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available right in the office, employees don’t have to schedule separate appointments or find time to visit a clinic. It’s quick, convenient, and encourages higher employee participation since workers can simply step away from their desks to get vaccinated.
As an employer, by making vaccines and vaccination information easily accessible, you’re helping your team protect themselves, their coworkers, and even their families. When employees are vaccinated, they reduce their risk of getting sick and spreading illness, helping the whole team stay healthier.
The Extra Risks of COVID-19 in the Workplace
While the flu can cause serious symptoms, COVID-19 brings additional concerns for employee health —especially over time. Even though vaccines have significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19 cases, making infections far less deadly than they were at the pandemic’s start, new studies reveal that every infection, even mild ones, can have lasting impacts. With each COVID-19 infection, the risk of developing “long COVID” rises. Long COVID can bring ongoing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, respiratory issues, and other complications that can last for months, sometimes longer. For workplaces, this can mean not just a risk of employees being out sick, but also a concern over longer-term health effects that could impact productivity and well-being.
The risks don’t stop there. Research now suggests that repeated COVID-19 infections can increase the likelihood of chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and even mental health issues. Each new infection gives the virus another chance to cause potential long-term damage, even if the initial symptoms are mild. Over time, small risks can add up, making prevention by employee vaccination even more essential.
Offering COVID-19 vaccination on-site helps protect employees by reducing their chances of infection and lowering the risk of severe illness and potential chronic conditions. By making vaccines accessible at work, you’re helping employees reduce these long-term risks, creating a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
The Benefits of On-Site Vaccinations
Offering the flu vaccine and COVID-19 shots on-site has significant benefits for both employees and the company. Here’s how it impacts the workplace:- Fewer Sick Days: When employees get vaccinated, they’re less likely to get sick, which means fewer missed workdays.
- Better Focus: When employees feel healthy, they’re more focused and productive.
- Stronger Team: Fewer illnesses mean less chance for germs to spread, creating a healthier team overall.
- Easy Access: Having shots available on-site is convenient, saving employees time and making it simple to protect themselves.
How to Set Up a Workplace Vaccination Program
Setting up a workplace vaccination program is easier than you might think. Here are some steps and best practices to get started:- Partner with a Health Provider: Connect with a company that offers on-site vaccination clinics, like TotalWellness. They’ll bring all the supplies and trained staff to administer the shots safely.
- Schedule a Convenient Day: Pick a date when most employees can attend. Consider offering multiple days or time slots to fit different schedules.
- Spread the Word: Let employees know about the program through emails, posters, or team meetings. Explain the benefits, provide medical information, and encourage them to sign up!
- Keep It Simple: Make the process easy and quick for employees. They’ll appreciate a hassle-free experience, especially if it saves them time.
Show Your Support for Employee Health
Offering on-site flu and COVID-19 shots shows employees that you care about their health. It’s a small step that makes a big impact. Not only does it reduce the chance of illness, but it also builds a positive and supportive work environment.
Ready to make it happen? Contact TotalWellness now to set up your clinic and give your team the protection they deserve. Let’s keep this season healthy and strong — starting with a vaccination program.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you implemented a workplace vaccination program before? How did it go? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
