Get the shot, not the flu
There’s really no excuse not to protect yourself and others this flu season
Every year, Occupational and Environmental Safety & Health (OESH) runs a series of free staff flu immunizations clinics, giving busy staff an opportunity to “get the shot, not the flu” in a convenient location near them. And every year, they hear the same, tired excuses and misinformation from skeptical managers and staff alike who continue to find reasons to not take part.
But OESH has it right when they say, “In order to uphold our values as a caring and wellness organization we encourage everyone working here to receive their influenza immunization. It is in the best interests of your health, the health of your co-workers and the health of all those that you care for on a daily basis.”
The simple truth is that there is really no legitimate excuse not to get immunized against the flu. The flu vaccine is, as OESH continues to stress:
- FREE
- SAFE (including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding)
- PROVEN to reduce doctor visits, hospitalization and deaths
- And, it PROTECTS those under your care and those close to you from this potentially deadly illness
OESH’s flu carts will once again be roaming through each facility. Please take the time to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others. To view the clinic schedules, click here. (Note: If you can’t make it to one of OESH’s staff clinics, you can get your shot at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, walk-in clinic, or Walk-In Connected Care (WICC) clinic.)
OESH has also compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Influenza vaccine. To view it, click here.
In addition to influenza immunization, OESH also advises people to cover their cough, wash their hands and avoid contact with others if they think they have the flu. Influenza is generally spread by infected individuals sneezing and coughing and direct physical contact. Symptoms may include fever and chills, cough, headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and exhaustion.
As nurses, we see first-hand the problems caused by the flu - not only to our patients, but to ourselves. Let’s face it, getting the flu is a lousy way to get time off work - one that puts our patients, co-workers and families at unnecessary risk. When on-job time is lost, others have to pick up the slack, and that’s simply not fair, especially when an easy, convenient solution is readily at hand.
Get the shot, not the flu. And encourage your co-workers to do the same. It really couldn’t be easier.