Flu vaccines are still important.
We’re only half way through the flu season, which means it’s still not too late to schedule flu shots for your employees.
And while there has been a lot of news coverage that flu vaccine is reportedly not as effective at fighting off the H3N2 virus this year, healthcare experts are still encouraging the public to get a flu shot.
The science behind this news shows that the virus mutated slightly after this season’s vaccine supply was produced. Still the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the flu vaccine can reduce chances of contracting the flu by an estimated 23 percent. In addition, it is important to remember that over 90 percent of the children that died from flu and flu-related illness last season did NOT receive a flu shot.
While that is down from previous years when the vaccine has been as high as 50 – 60 percent effective in fighting the virus, 23 percent can translate to a large number of people – approximately one out of four — who will not be under the weather, buying medication, missing work or school, or spreading it to others.
Also, there are other strains of the flu that have surfaced where this year’s vaccine is right on target. So even partial protection is showing an overall benefit for the public’s health.
Similarly, for those who have contracted the flu, medical experts have shared that symptoms may be less severe in patients who have received the flu shot. Those patients may have a “milder” case and recovery may even be quicker than for patients who have not received a flu shot.
February, the peak month for the flu, is just around the corner and that’s all the more reason to get the shot. Looking back over a 32-year period from 1982 – 2014, the CDC reported February being the worst month for the flu for 14 of those years. That was followed by December for six years, and by January and March, each with five years.
If there is positive news about this flu season, it is that vaccine supplies are still available for those seeking prevention.
Star Wellness is still administering flu shots to employers who are proactively caring for their staff and everyone they may come into contact with. In addition, we can direct bill most insurance plans. It underscores a growing trend toward overall responsible health and wellness for the workplace that is expected to only grow in the months and years ahead.
To learn more or to schedule flu shots for your workforce, call Star Wellness at 800-685-5572.
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