Vaccinations that are free and convenient are important factors for employees getting vaccinated. Studies have shown reasons employees choose to be vaccinated are often economic, including avoiding absenteeism, rather than health-related. However, even when vaccinations are free and conveniently provided at the workplace, participation rates can be lower than ideal.
Providing a choice between injection and nasal spray have shown to increase participation in flu vaccination programs. Incentives, such as a drawing or raffle for all those that were vaccinated, a contest for the department with the highest percentage of vaccinated employees, cash or cash equivalent incentives (money in Health Spending Account), or as part of a company’s overall points-based or incentives-based program, may also increase participation in the vaccination program.
In addition, expanding vaccination to immediate family members and providing other incentives has also been shown to be effective. Vaccinating children reduces absenteeism and related medical costs of both children and their families, regardless of whether the adult was vaccinated.
The CDC and other professional societies also recommend expanding the flu vaccination season beyond the traditional season and offer opportunities between October and May.
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