Immunize Now is an incorporated vaccination service in the Victoria, BC area. Immunize Now is composed of registered nurses experienced in administering vaccines. Influenza is the leading cause of absenteeism at work. Lost work time affects employment, employers and productivity. Onsite flu clinics with Immunize Now are a convenient and cost-effective way for employers to increase uptake of immunization amongst employees thereby decreasing needed sick time. Immunize Now nurses come to your workplace fully prepared to vaccinate everyone onsite at a rate of 10 to 12 people per hour.
Influenza is caused by a virus. Everyone is at risk for seasonal influenza. Viruses spread easily
between people, through sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, speaking closely, or touching an object that an ill person has touched. Mild to severe complications from the flu range from being sick for a few days with headaches, fever, fatigue and sore throat to pneumonia, encephalitis, and multisystem organ failure. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma worsen with flu infections.
Typically, someone ill with the flu is off work for a week. Because flu symptoms are so similar to Covid symptoms, time off work could be much longer while waiting for manifestation of further symptoms or for testing. The best way to prevent influenza is with annual influenza immunization. Other ways to decrease chances of becoming infected are handwashing; avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth with your hands; stay away from sick people; and wear a mask in public.
On average, absenteeism decreases by 45% in vaccinated individuals. Immunize Now provides workplace flu clinics. These clinics are a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure your employees are vaccinated and lessen the risk of spreading the virus to family and other high-risk groups. The flu shot is 60 to 80% effective at preventing the flu.
It is recommended that the influenza vaccine be offered from the end of October to mid November , before influenza activity in the community begins. Vaccination can be offered as long as influenza viruses continue to circulate and unexpired vaccines are available. Flu vaccines are still available in January and February.
Immunization in Canada
Mass immunization clinics are run by public health agencies across Canada. Public Health, pharmacies, and physician offices, along with private companies work together to promote and improve vaccination rates in Canada. Populations that are targeted by Public Health agencies are residents in long term care, high risk people and health care workers. Outreach locations include workplaces or onsite clinics in churches, conventions, or anywhere people assemble in groups. Despite all these avenues for people to become immunized, the rate of vaccination could be improved.
Reasons people do not get vaccinated
According to experts, complacency, caution, convenience and cost are the main reasons for incomplete vaccination in our population.
Complacency
Adults need to choose to become vaccinated. If they simply do nothing, they do not become immunized. Adults who perceive they are at low risk of catching disease are not motivated to make an appointment and get to a location where they can be vaccinated. Voluntary “opting in” is a conscious process whereby adults make a decision that becoming vaccinated is important.
When employers host a vaccine clinic, people are faced with a conscious decision to either refuse or agree to becoming vaccinated. When employers advertise upcoming vaccine clinics through inhouse media, emails, and posters, those who have been complacent are prompted to make a decision. When peers are becoming immunized onsite, complacency reduces.
Caution and confidence
Another term for vaccine caution is hesitancy. Hesitancy is not the same as being an antivaxer. People who are hesitant are not refusing to be vaccinated; they are cautious. As we saw in the Covid-19 mass immunization project, people were cautious of both side effects and potential lack of protection from disease and also some perceived there might be cellular changes from an mRNA vaccine. This hesitancy led to a “ wait and see” situation where people deferred becoming vaccinated. After many months, vaccine hesitancy reduced resulting in a majority Covid-19 immunized population in British Columbia.
As with any medical intervention, there are both benefits and risks in becoming vaccinated. It is the responsibility of health care providers to inform clients of losses and gains no matter what the client eventually decides. Respecting clients’ knowledge/concerns and positive reassurance is paramount to promoting immunization confidence. Vaccine champions in the workplace are known to encourage uptake.
Caution can evolve from clients’ uncertainty of which vaccines are recommended at different times of their lives. For example, most Canadians are immunized for Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) in grade nine (age 14 years). Boosters for Tetanus/diphtheria are recommended every ten years, therefore adults 25 years and older should have a Td vaccine. Immunize Now nurses are experts in recommending where, when and how to update all adult vaccinations.
Convenience
Employers are encouraged to promote uptake of flu vaccines by hosting clinics onsite. If vaccination is made easy and convenient, uptake is greater. Going to the lunchroom at coffee break to be immunized saves time and is convenient. Immunize Now hours are flexible – providing flu clinics at change of shift when more people are onsite. Evenings might be the best time for some workplaces. Hosting a clinic during the day and another for evening shifts works best for some employers. Nurses are accustomed to working any hour of the day and night so are prepared to go into the workplace when needed. Flexibility is a key feature of Immunize Now’s mandate to improve vaccination rates in Canada.
Conclusion
Over October and November, 2021, Immunize Now ran a successful workplace influenza campaign. More than 1400 people were vaccinated for influenza and some with tetanus/diphtheria vaccine as well. Improving the convenience of vaccination means uptake will be greater and fewer staff will become ill from influenza virus related conditions. Good health for all in our workforce increases contributions to both sound economic recovery and lifestyle.