Occupational Health Watch: November 2021

​Protect Workers from Influenza and COVID-19

Getting a flu vaccine is an easy step to protect workers, their families, and their community. While flu vaccination is always important, this season getting vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19 is even more important since workers may get exposed to flu and COVID-19.

Employers are encouraged to promote flu vaccination for workers who have not yet gotten their annual flu shot. It's not too late! (PDF) Flu usually peaks between December and February, but it can spread as late as May. Flu vaccination will help lower the burden on the health care system by decreasing flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Influenza and COVID-19 share many symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, headaches, muscle pain). Preventing influenza means fewer workers will need to miss work or seek medical care and testing. 

Some workers, especially those over the age of 50 and/or with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from both flu and COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. The best way to stay healthy is by getting both shots. Workers can get both at the same visit. Those who have already gotten a COVID-19 vaccine should still get a yearly flu vaccine. 

Booster Time!

For certain workers who have completed their initial vaccination series, a COVID-19 booster is now available. Those with certain medical conditions are also eligible for a booster dose. Groups eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine booster include older workers (65+) and individuals ages 18-64 who work or live in high-risk settings, such as:

• First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
• Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Public transit workers
  
• Grocery store workers
  

Ideas for Employers

• Offer employer-sponsored vaccination clinics
  
• Offer flexible schedules to allow employees time to get the vaccines
  
• Promote flu and COVID-19 vaccinator locator resources to employees (if unable to offer onsite)
• Promote vaccination through social media and other employer-based communications. Let workers know that flu and COVID-19 shots are safe and effective.

Resources

• Flu/COVID-19 vaccination flyer for essential workers (English and Spanish) 
• MyTurn – Schedule COVID-19 or flu vaccine appointments
  
• Flu vaccination social media messaging for workers (English and Spanish)
  
• Let's Fight Flu Together – CDPH campaign toolkit (English and Spanish)
• Promoting Vaccination in the Workplace – CDC web page for employers
• Influenza Immunization During the Pandemic – CDPH-Cal/OSHA factsheet for health care & other workers covered under the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard
• COVID-19 vaccinator locator and Influenza vaccinator locator
  
• COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Questions & Answers – CDPH web page
  
• OHB COVID-19 website – Tools for Workers and Best Workplace Practices
  
  

Updated Tools for Workers Looking for colorful, engaging work-related graphics? Try ours. Download and add them to your website or share on social media! Many of our tools have now been updated!

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