Canadian HR Reporter

34 www.hrreporter.com S P O N S O R E D doctors and pharmacists, but supply availability and access vary from prov- ince to province during the influenza season. Therefore, employers should consider hosting on-site influenza immunization clinics to make it easier for employees to be vaccinated. Businesses have a choice when it comes to the vaccine itself. Employers can purchase vaccines directly from the manufacturer, mitigating any supply delays and allowing them to choose non-egg vaccines made using newer technologies that may provide a closer match to the circulating virus strains each season. Alternatively, you can co-ordinate your clinic with publicly funded influenza shots that are available in some provinces. Suppose your company is encour- aging its workforce to work from home well into 2021? In that case, employers can positively impact the health-care system by making influenza shots available at their workplace where employees can come in with their fami- lies to be immunized in an isolated, safe and uncrowded space. Support is available for an on-site clinic A workplace influenza immunization clinic does not have to be a complicated process. There are two keys to success: 1. Effective planning and communi- cation: Consider how you can play a positive role in keeping your employees healthy. This includes communication strategies that encourage healthy behaviours by ensuring employees and their families are protected against influenza and are aware of on-site clinics, if available. Employers that make seasonal influenza vaccines available in their workplace are seen positively not only by employees but also by customers. i Schanzer DL et al. Statistical estimates of absenteeism attrib- utable to seasonal and pandemic influenza from the Canadian Labour Force Survey. Schanzer et al. BMC Infectious Diseases 2011;11:90. ii ommes EW et al. Review of seasonal influenza in Canada: Burden of disease and the cost-effectiveness of quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines. Human Vac Immunotherapeutics 2017;13(4):867-76. Immunize Canada has a variety of resources available, including a toolkit for employers to encourage employees to attend an on-site influenza clinic. This toolkit is based on proven best practices, behavioural techniques and research evidence to guide employees through influenza immunization, such as breakroom posters and pamphlets, sample appointment reminders and templates for emails and intranet posts. 2. Clinic management: If you don't have a nurse on-site, working with an immunization clinic provider takes out the risk and guesswork. It is an effective way to ensure the safe and comprehensive delivery of service by experienced health-care professionals who take care of all of the details. Workplace-hosted on-site influenza immunization clinics are a cost-effec- tive way to get the influenza shot that is easy and convenient for employees. An immunization clinic provider can guide you through the process of hosting an on-site clinic, manage the logistics and execution and provide the vaccination, registration and post-vaccination care. Protecting your employees is an essential responsibility when leading a business, and when it comes to influ- enza immunization, it is simple to do so. The best time for employers to plan and secure an on-site influenza clinic is in the spring so you can understand the process, decide on whether to use privately purchased or publicly funded vaccines and secure your on-site clinic date. CHRR To access promotional and education tools on the importance of influenza immunization, visit Immunize Canada (immunize.ca). For more information about workplace clinics, contact a clinic provider.

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