Flu Vaccine Accessibility
Make it easy for everyone to receive a flu vaccine. Services like those provided by WA Workplace Vaccinations make accessibility easy. It’s advised for individuals aged 6 months and above to receive a flu shot annually.
Promote Annual Flu Vaccinations
Encourage employees to receive their flu shot each fall. Hosting an on-site vaccination clinic with WA Workplace Vaccinations can significantly increase participation. WA Workplace Vaccination will also provide branded promotional material to support health promotion in your workplace.
Supportive Sick Leave Policies
Ensure your sick leave policies are flexible, allowing employees to stay home when ill without fear of repercussions. This helps in preventing the spread of the flu in the workplace.
Guidance for Sick Employees
Employees should stay home if they’re sick, especially if they have a fever over 37.8°C that subsides only with medication. Even those without a fever should consider staying home for 4-5 days after symptoms begin, as they’re most contagious during this period.
Isolation of Symptomatic Employees
Promptly send home any employee who shows flu symptoms at work, keeping them away from others to avoid spreading the illness.
Flexible Working Arrangements
Offer teleworking options and flexible leave for employees needing to care for sick family members or children during school closures.
Monitoring Health for All
Employees with a sick household member should monitor their health daily and stay home if symptoms develop. High-risk individuals should seek medical advice promptly if they feel unwell.
Preventive Workplace Environment
Equip the workplace with necessary supplies like tissues, hand sanitizers, and no-touch rubbish bins to encourage a hygienic environment.
Educate on Flu Prevention
Promote respiratory hygiene and handwashing through education and accessible resources. Highlight the importance of covering coughs and sneezes properly, and provide the means to do so.
Awareness for High-Risk Groups
Offer information and support to employees at higher risk of severe flu complications, such as those with chronic conditions or pregnant women. Emphasize the importance of vaccination and immediate medical consultation if symptoms arise.
Remember, a healthy workplace is a productive workplace. Taking these steps not only protects individual employees but also supports public health efforts by reducing the spread of influenza.