There is no better way to counter influenza than vaccination. Vaccination weakens the virus causing flu and enhances the immune system of the human body. Infection caused by an influenza virus leads to fever, cough, headache, and sore throat. We are still living under the fear of Covid-19, which makes it of utmost importance for us to reduce the risk as much as possible, and there is no better way to stay protected than the annual Influenza Vaccination.
How does Flu Vaccination work?
With every upcoming influenza season, medical experts develop the vaccine keeping in mind the new strains developed by the new influenza virus. So a vaccine that was developed last year might not be that effective this year. Once the vaccine is injected into the human body it takes up to two weeks to develop the antibodies to fight the flu virus and boost the overall immune system.
The flu is caused by infections Type A and Type B viruses, with 2 strains each.
There are two types of influenza vaccines: Trivalent and Quadrivalent. Trivalent fights against three strains, while quadrivalent vaccines fight against four strains.
Is it important to take the vaccine every year?
Yes, definitely. First, the effectiveness of vaccines gets reduced over time in a matter of a few months and your immune system is set back to its normal capacity. Secondly, as mentioned earlier the new influenza virus has developed new strains and it needs the newer vaccine to counter it. Hence it is advised to get vaccinated with a “good match” vaccine every year. A good match vaccine is the one that is able to create antibodies that can fight the influenza virus prevalent in the current season.
Vaccination is highly recommended by WHO for patients having health issues related to heart, blood pressure, respiration, COPD, diabetes, and stress, which is very common among people working within a corporate structure. Influenza further weakens the immune system and can trigger any of the above-mentioned health problems.
The immunization against flu through vaccines is the single most effective strategy to reduce the flu-related doctor visits, hospitalizations, and further spread of the virus. During the year 2019-2020, the flu-associated hospitalizations were significantly reduced by 105,000 due to the vaccination drive.
Importance of Vaccination in a Company
Employees are the assets of the business, and they should be taken care of on priority and that includes getting them vaccinated every year so that there is reduced absenteeism and increased performance. As a corporate, you need to tie up with a reliable vaccination coordinator to effectively plan and manage the vaccination drive within your company. Also, you need to take measures to encourage employee participation in the vaccination drives, by making them understand how their participation matters, announcing incentives, department-wise competitions, etc.
Benefits of Vaccination for Employees
- Improves their individual attendance, which will surely help in appraisals.
- Improves health and immunity.
- Cost-benefit, as the company offers them at low or no cost.
Benefits of Vaccination for Employers
- Improves overall productivity, and hence better results.
- Portrays image of being a socially responsible company
- Increases trust and loyalty among employees and stakeholders.
Like a company plan the vaccination drive at your business locations for your employees, get in touch with Avyukt Healthcare to help you plan and manage the vaccination drive. Act now to make your workplace safer for all, and make it a part of your annual employee wellness program.
