The flu shot has been very controversial for many years. It is up to you if you want to get it, but here is what the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says about why you should get it:
The estimated number of flu illnesses prevented by flu vaccination during the 2015-2016 season was 5 million – as many people use Denver International Airport in one month! If this statistic isn’t enough to make you want to get a flu vaccination and avoid the flu this season, here are a few more reasons you need a flu shot today.
1. The flu can make you miss work
Flu season results in more illness and sick time and employees typically miss an average of 5 days. In fact, according to Flu.gov, the flu accounts for 111 million lost workdays and nearly $7 billion in lost productivity and sick days annually.
2. You can protect not only yourself, but family and coworkers
The flu virus spreads easily, and the more immunizations people get, the less likely it is to spread throughout the population because more and more people will be protected from it. You can get the flu by touching something that has the virus germs on it like a doorknob, keyboard, stapler, or other common office supplies and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The flu shot can help minimize the spread of these germs.
3. The flu vaccine is affordable and convenient
Most pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. will conduct the flu shot quickly and easily without long wait lines or requiring appointments. These pharmacies will accept insurance for the vaccine, likely resulting in little to no copay for you. Even without insurance, there are local health clinics who offer free vaccines, or if you are required to pay, a flu shot only goes for about an average of $30 – well worth the price!
For employers, onsite flu vaccinations are always a great idea. This lets employees quickly and easily get the flu shot without ever having to leave the office. So, employees won’t need to leave the office to get the shot, and won’t be missing from the office for sick days! Employers can get started with free onsite free onsite flu vaccinations here.
4. It's a new year
You got the flu shot last year, so you should be good this year right… wrong! Different flu strains circulate every year, so the strains that make up the flu vaccine change along with them. Getting the flu shot as early as possible is a good idea as It generally takes about 14 days for immunity to build to fight the virus.