DON'T RESIST UNDERTAKING YOUR INFLUENZA VACCINATION THIS WINTER!!

 

WE WANT TO HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY STAY IN GOOD HEALTH

 

 

MEDICAL BASED PROGRAMS

CORPORATE INFLUENZA VACCINATION PROGRAM

What is influenza?

Influenza, or "flu," is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. It is spread through the air or by direct contact. Compared to the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose as well as headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for contracting influenza. Influenza and its complications can be especially harmful for people 65 years of age and older, and for those who suffer from diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or chronic lung problems (including asthma). The most common complication of influenza is pneumonia.

It is estimated that during most flu seasons, up to 30 % of the population is infected with influenza. Approximately 1% of those infected will require hospitalisation; among those as many as 8% die.

Can influenza be prevented?

The best protection against the flu is an annual influenza shot. Virtually anyone who wants to avoid contracting the flu can receive a shot.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

The peak period for contracting the "flu" is between July and November. The best time to get vaccinated is prior to this period, usually between April and June. It takes approximately two weeks after the vaccination to develop antibodies to provide protection.

How effective is the vaccination?

Statistics show that flu vaccination can reduce the risk of pneumonia by about 60 percent, hospitalisation by about 70 percent and the risk of death from influenza by 75 to 80 percent.

How does your staff contracting influenza affect productivity?

According to a recent study, influenza immunization offers substantial benefits for healthy, working adults. It was found that flu shots decreased work absenteeism due to all illness by 36 percent. According to a US based study, direct medical savings attributed to immunization were estimated at $US5.99 per person vaccinated, and indirect cost savings -- including work loss averted by immunization -- were estimated at $US40.86 per person vaccinated.

Average sick leave from influenza is 5 days, followed by up to 3 weeks of symptoms and decreased productivity, implying up to 4 weeks or 1 month's lost production.

Why is it necessary to get a new vaccine every year?

Different influenza strains circulate every flu season. Based on government recommendations, manufacturers develop each year's vaccine with the three strains of influenza that scientists have predicted to be most common in the coming flu season. The strains from one year's vaccine cannot offer immunity to the strains that predominate the following year. In addition, vaccine-induced immunity decreases after a few months. As a result, in order to be properly protected, it is necessary to get vaccinated every year.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The most frequent side effect of vaccination is soreness at the injection site. Occasionally, some people experience a period of mild fever and fatigue for a day or two after the shot. Rarely, an allergic reaction may occur. Since the vaccine is not a live vaccine, it is not possible to get influenza from the vaccine.

Who should not get the vaccine?

Individuals with egg allergies or those who have had a previous vaccine-associated allergic reaction should avoid immunization.

TO IMPLEMENT A VACCINATION PROGRAM CONTACT US

 

 

TELEPHONE: Australia (02) 9252 7500
EMAIL: Admin@executivehealthgroup.com.au