Education Archives - Onsite Health

How Long Does It Take the Flu Vaccine to Work?

Written by Onsite Health Team on June 4, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on How Long Does It Take the Flu Vaccine to Work?

If you are asking how long does it take the flu vaccine to work, the short answer is that it usually takes up to two weeks after vaccination for your body to build good protection against flu. That is why we encourage people to get vaccinated before winter illness becomes more common. In New Zealand, the flu vaccine is available from 1 April each year, before winter starts.

What happens in your body after the flu vaccine

After you receive the flu vaccine, your immune system starts responding straight away. The vaccine teaches your body to recognise the flu virus and produce antibodies against it. These antibodies help your body respond faster and more effectively if you come into contact with influenza later in the season. Being vaccinated causes your body to produce antibodies against the flu virus, and that this is what helps protect you.

Your protection does not switch on the moment you get the injection. Your immune system needs time to build that response. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccination to be most effective.

Why timing matters for winter protection

Timing matters because winter is when flu spreads more easily. In Auckland and across New Zealand, people spend more time indoors, workplaces are busy, children are at school, and respiratory viruses circulate more widely. Healthify says winter is the time when you are most likely to come into contact with the flu. That is one reason it is best to get the vaccine as soon as you can once it becomes available.

Health New Zealand’s booking guidance says to plan one to two weeks ahead before winter immunisations. This lines up with the time needed for the vaccine to become most effective. If you wait until flu is already moving through your workplace, school, or household, you may not yet have full protection when exposure happens.

When should you get the flu vaccine in New Zealand

April to June is the key period to think about vaccination. The flu vaccine is available from 1 April each year, before winter starts. That timing is useful because it gives your body time to respond before flu transmission increases. It also makes planning easier for workplaces, families, and people with busy schedules. If you are booking a workplace vaccination clinic or arranging a visit to a pharmacy or medical centre to use a flu voucher, earlier is usually better than later.

Does the vaccine help straight away at all?

Your immune response begins before the full two week point, but the safest and clearest advice is to allow up to two weeks for good protection to develop. This helps avoid a false sense of security in the first few days after vaccination. People can still catch flu if they are exposed shortly before vaccination or soon after it, before the immune response has had time to build properly. Getting vaccinated may not stop every case of flu, but it does make it less likely that you will get very sick.

Why this matters for workplaces and whānau

Flu vaccination is not only about the individual. It also helps reduce the spread of flu through workplaces, homes, and the wider community. Yearly vaccination is the best way to protect communities from infection and serious illness. That makes the timing of vaccination especially important for people who work closely with others, care for vulnerable family members, or are more likely to have complications if they get the flu.

So, if you have been wondering how long does it take the flu vaccine to work, the practical answer is to allow up to two weeks, and do not leave it until winter is already well underway. Getting vaccinated in the right window gives your body time to build protection when you are most likely to need it. Reach out to our team to book in your 2026 flu vaccination.

References

Health New Zealand. (2025, November 19). Flu (influenza) vaccine.

Health New Zealand. (2025, December 22). Book a vaccine.

Healthify. (n.d.). Flu (influenza).

Healthify. (n.d.). Immunisation, adults.

Healthify. (n.d.). Influenza vaccine, adults.

Healthify. (n.d.). Influenza vaccine, common questions.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2025, March 6). Influenza vaccine.

What to Expect from Your Workplace Flu Vaccinations

Written by Onsite Health Team on May 28, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on What to Expect from Your Workplace Flu Vaccinations

An onsite flu vaccination visit should feel simple, well organised, and easy for staff to follow. At Onsite Health, we structure our workplace flu vaccination service so Auckland businesses can prepare clearly, support staff on the day, and keep disruption to work to a minimum. Our vaccinators come to your workplace, set up onsite, and provide flu vaccinations in a way that is practical for both employers and employees.

Booking your onsite flu vaccination visit

The first step is to contact us with your team details to choose a date, time, and workplace location. Businesses can fill in an enquiry form or call our team, then provide their team size, preferred date, and Auckland location. We then organise the visit and confirm the booking details with the workplace.

This planning stage matters because a workplace visit runs best when staff numbers, access, and timing are clear in advance. It also helps us match the visit to your team size and work environment, whether you are in an office, warehouse, clinic, retail site, or another workplace setting.

Preparing your team before the day

Good preparation makes the visit smoother for everyone. A helpful workplace process usually includes sharing the clinic details with staff in advance, letting them know when the vaccinator will arrive, and giving them time to ask questions before the visit and allowing staff to wear practical clothing to easily access the upper arm to receive a vaccination.

We coordinate the visit and come to the workplace on the agreed date, ready to vaccinate the team onsite. Each vaccination only takes a few minutes, so the main goal before the day is making sure staff know where to go and when to be available. That keeps the session efficient and reduces interruption to the workday.

Confirmation before the clinic

Closer to the day, workplaces should expect a reminder or final confirmation of the agreed session. This is a useful point to check staff attendance, room access, and any practical needs for the clinic setup.

For larger workplaces, this confirmation stage can also help managers organise staff flow, so people can attend in small groups rather than all at once. A simple plan often makes the whole visit run more smoothly.

What happens on the day

On the day of your onsite flu vaccination visit, our authorised vaccinators arrive at your workplace and set up a vaccination station. All vaccinators are either Registered Pharmacists or Registered Nurses with current authorisation to provide adult immunisations. Onsite Health is Cold Chain Accredited, which means vaccines are handled to Ministry of Health standards to maintain potency.

The vaccination itself is quick. Each staff member’s flu jab takes just a few minutes, with minimal disruption to the workday. A typical vaccination rate is around 20 to 30 staff per vaccinator per hour, although actual timing can vary depending staff flow, workplace needs, and other factors.

After vaccination, staff should remain onsite for a short 15 minute observation period. This is standard practice after immunisation and helps ensure immediate support is available if needed.

Support for remote or absent staff

Not every employee can attend the workplace session. Onsite Health addresses this by offering flu vouchers for remote and regional staff, or for people who miss the onsite clinic. These vouchers are redeemable at more than 260 pharmacies and dozens of GP surgeries across New Zealand. Many organisations use a mix of onsite vaccination and vouchers to cover their full workforce.

A well run onsite clinic should be clear from the first contact through to the final vaccination on the day. That is what employers and staff should expect from an Onsite Health workplace flu vaccination visit. With clear booking, good preparation, qualified vaccinators, and a structured visit onsite, the process stays straightforward and easy to manage.

Subclade K and Why the Flu Vaccine Still Helps Protect You

Written by Onsite Health Team on May 21, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on Subclade K and Why the Flu Vaccine Still Helps Protect You

You may have seen reports about subclade K, a newer influenza A(H3N2) variant that drove a strong Northern Hemisphere flu season. It has also been referred to in media reports as “super K”. That kind of headline can make people wonder if the flu vaccine is still worth having. The short answer is yes. Current New Zealand guidance still recommends annual flu vaccination, and Health New Zealand says the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine available in New Zealand includes coverage for circulating A(H3N2) variants, including strains related to subclade K.

What subclade K is

Subclade K is a branch of the influenza A(H3N2) virus. Influenza viruses change often, which is why vaccine strains are reviewed and updated every year. The Eurosurveillance study deleted looked at the early 2025 to 2026 flu season in England, where influenza A(H3N2) subclade K became the dominant strain early in the season. The paper also noted that this variant showed antigenic differences from the vaccine strain used in that Northern Hemisphere season.

That sounds worrying, but it does not mean the vaccine stopped working. It means scientists needed to measure how much real world protection remained, especially against more serious illness.

What the research found

A 2025 study published in Eurosurveillance examined the early flu season in England during autumn 2025, when influenza A(H3N2) subclade K was the dominant circulating strain, to assess how well the seasonal flu vaccine was still protecting people against more serious illness.

The main value of this study is that it looked at real world vaccine effectiveness, not just laboratory matching. Even though subclade K differed from the vaccine strain in antigenic testing, the researchers still found meaningful protection against influenza linked emergency department attendance and hospital admission.

That is an important clinical point. Flu vaccines do not need to stop every infection to be useful. Reducing severity, lowering the chance of hospital care, and helping protect people at higher risk are all worthwhile outcomes. This is especially relevant for H3N2 seasons, because H3N2 strains are often linked with more severe illness in older adults.

What this means for New Zealand

New Zealand is not using the exact same seasonal flu vaccine that England used in autumn 2025. Our 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine was selected later, using updated international surveillance and regional expert review. Medsafe says the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee, with a New Zealand representative, consulted on the 2026 vaccine composition for New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in October 2025. For 2026, the recommended H3N2 components are A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 like virus for egg based vaccines and A/Sydney/1359/2024 like virus for cell based, recombinant based, or nucleic acid based vaccines.

Health New Zealand has also made the local message very clear. Its flu vaccine guidance states that the 2026 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine available in New Zealand includes coverage for circulating A(H3N2) variants, including strains related to subclade K. That does not mean perfect protection against every infection. It does mean the vaccine has been updated with current strain information in mind, and it remains the best available tool for reducing flu risk this winter.

Why vaccination still matters

The flu vaccine helps in more than one way. It can reduce the chance of infection, but even when infection happens, it may lower the severity of illness. That is one reason public health advice still backs vaccination during seasons where the virus has changed. Health New Zealand says the flu virus changes often, which is why the vaccine is adjusted each year. The Immunisation Advisory Centre also notes that there are four influenza vaccines available in New Zealand for 2026, including egg based, cell based, and adjuvanted options.

This matters most for people who are more likely to become seriously unwell, including older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with long term health conditions. Healthify notes that the flu can cause serious illness, especially in young children, older adults, and people with long term health problems.

The practical takeaway

The research on subclade K gives a useful message for New Zealand. Even when an H3N2 strain has drifted away from the vaccine strain in laboratory testing, the vaccine can still provide meaningful real world protection, especially against more serious illness. For New Zealanders, that sits alongside current local guidance that the 2026 vaccine includes coverage for circulating H3N2 variants related to subclade K.

So if you have seen headlines about subclade K and wondered whether the flu vaccine still helps, the evidence points in a practical direction. Yes, it does. It may not stop every case, but it remains one of the best ways to lower your risk of severe flu this winter.

References

Health New Zealand. (2025, November 19). Flu (influenza) vaccine.

Healthify. (n.d.). Influenza vaccine, adults.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2026). Influenza immunisation programme.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2026). Influenza vaccine.

Kirsebom, F. C. M., Andrews, N., Tessier, E., et al. (2025). Early influenza virus characterisation and vaccine effectiveness in England in autumn 2025, a period dominated by influenza A(H3N2) subclade K. Eurosurveillance, 30(46), Article 2500854.

Medsafe. (2025, November 10). Influenza vaccine composition.

Woman with pnuemonia coughing and holding her chest.

Flu Isn’t “Just a Virus”, It Can Lead to Serious Complications

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 30, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on Flu Isn’t “Just a Virus”, It Can Lead to Serious Complications

Many people still think of flu as something you can push through. That view misses the real risk. Influenza is a serious viral infection that can lead to complications, hospital admission, and in some cases death. Health New Zealand says some people get very sick with flu, and around 500 people die from it each year in New Zealand.

Why flu can become serious

Flu affects more than the nose and throat. It can spread through the respiratory tract and place real stress on the body. The Immunisation Advisory Centre notes that influenza can lead to serious complications including bronchitis, pneumonia, heart failure, worsening asthma, miscarriage, and death in some groups. That is a key reason everyone should take influenza seriously every winter.

One of the most important, and common, complications is pneumonia. Flu can inflame the airways, weaken normal defences in the lungs, and make it easier for other infections to take hold. Lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia are more serious than upper respiratory infections, and pneumonia can lead to severe illness and hospital care.

Recap: Influenza can:

Directly infect the lungs
Damage airway defences
Make it easier for bacteria to cause secondary infections

This significantly increases the risk of:

Hospitalisation
Severe illness
Death in vulnerable groups

Who is more likely to have complications

Flu does not affect everyone in the same way. People at higher risk of complications include pregnant women, older adults, and people with long term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Having influenza during pregnancy carries a higher risk of serious complications, including premature birth, low birthweight, miscarriage, or stillbirth if flu occurs during pregnancy.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre also highlights people who are immunocompromised as being at higher risk of severe influenza and complications. This matters in everyday settings because someone may look well at work, on public transport, or at a family event, but still be more vulnerable to serious illness than others around them.

Recap: Higher-risk groups are more likely to experience:

Severe infection
Complications like pneumonia
Hospital admission

When more than one virus is circulating

Winter illness is not only about influenza. COVID 19, and RSV all circulate through winter and place pressure on emergency departments, hospitals, GPs, and community services. These viruses can all cause more severe illness in babies and young children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

That matters because people are often exposed to more than one respiratory virus in the same season. Even when we are not talking about confirmed co infection in every case, the overall burden rises when several viruses are circulating at once. RSV can itself cause serious complications, including pneumonia, and COVID 19 can also make some people very unwell. When flu is added into that mix, recovery can be harder and the risk picture becomes more serious, especially for higher risk groups.

Recap: When co-infection occurs:

Illness severity increases
Recovery becomes more difficult
Risk of complications rises

Why prevention matters

Prevention matters because flu spreads quickly through households, workplaces, schools, and the wider community. Flu vaccines are available from 1 April 2026 ahead of the winter season. Vaccinating before winter helps reduce the chance of infection and lowers the risk of severe illness and complications if infection does happen. It also helps protect whānau and reduces pressure on health services during the busiest respiratory months of the year.

The flu vaccination is more than a personal choice

Flu prevention is not only about the person getting vaccinated. It also helps protect the people around them. Immunisation supports both individual and community protection. That matters in workplaces, aged care settings, health services, and homes where vulnerable people may be exposed to infection brought in by others.

Flu is easy to underestimate because it often starts with familiar symptoms. The complication risk is what changes the picture. Pneumonia, worsening long term conditions, pregnancy related complications, and severe winter illness are all real outcomes seen in New Zealand.

Contact us to book your yearly flu vaccine, which remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower that risk for you, your staff, and those in your life.

Recap: Vaccination helps:

Reduce the chance of infection
Lower severity if infection occurs
Decrease risk of complications like pneumonia

That means vaccination helps reduce:

Transmission
Pressure on healthcare systems
Risk to vulnerable people

References

Shirley, P. (2026). Flu and Friends 2026 webinar [Webinar].

Health New Zealand. (2025, August 7). Flu (influenza).

Health New Zealand. (2025, November 19). Flu (influenza) vaccine.

Health New Zealand. (2025, December 22). Book a vaccine.

Health New Zealand. (2026, April 2). Health NZ urges people to get vaccinated ahead of winter.

Health New Zealand. (2026, April 23). Winter Plan 2026 national initiatives.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2025, March 6). Influenza vaccine.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (n.d.). Influenza.

Healthify. (2024, October 3). Respiratory tract infections.

Healthify. (2024, October 15). Pneumonia.

Professional older woman smiling while holding a tablet in a modern office setting, wearing glasses and business attire.

The New Link Between Working Age Health and Flu Prevention

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 9, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on The New Link Between Working Age Health and Flu Prevention

Flu vaccination plays a clear role in preventing influenza infection and reducing severe illness. New research has also created interest in the possible long term health benefits of flu vaccines, including brain health. Even so, the findings help explain why flu prevention matters for long term wellbeing and why employers can benefit from strong vaccination coverage in the workplace.

What the research says about flu vaccination and dementia risk

A large 2022 US claims-based cohort study compared adults aged 65 and over who received an influenza vaccine with similar adults who did not. Over about four years of follow up, the study reported that 5.1 percent of vaccinated people developed Alzheimer’s disease compared with 8.5 percent of unvaccinated people. The authors reported an estimated relative risk of 0.60 and a number needed to treat of 29 over the follow up period. These results suggest an association between flu vaccination and a lower observed risk of Alzheimer’s disease in that population, but the study design cannot prove cause and effect.

Other reporting has grouped this research with findings on shingles and pneumonia vaccines, which have also shown links with a lower risk of dementia in some observational studies. These reports help raise awareness, but it is important that they do not confirm prevention.

What this means for keeping employees healthy long term

The proven benefits remain short term and clear, fewer influenza infections, fewer severe cases, and lower risk of hospitalisation. The possible longer term benefits, such as a lower observed risk of dementia in some older adult studies, remain an emerging area of research.

For employers, the practical value is strong. If vaccination reduces severe illness and complications, employees return to normal sooner and teams face fewer gaps in staffing. If future research continues to support longer term benefits, that would also support healthy ageing across the workforce over time, especially as many workplaces employ people in their 50s and 60s, and many employees care for older family members.

A healthier workforce supports productivity and lowers the operational costs that come with unplanned absenteeism.

Why organisations should think beyond sick leave

There is also growing interest in longer term health links beyond the brain. A 2025 review discussed how influenza infection can trigger inflammation that may contribute to cardiovascular events in higher risk people, and it reviewed influenza vaccination as a preventive strategy in this wider context. The take home message for workplaces stays simple, preventing flu can reduce more than short term disruption.

Influenza prevention is not only about fewer winter sick days. Flu can cause severe illness, particularly in older adults and those with long term conditions. Protecting employees also reduces the chance of bringing influenza home to vulnerable family members, including older parents, grandparents, and young children.

What employers can do now practical steps for winter protection

Workplace flu prevention works best when it is easy, early, and well communicated.

Run onsite vaccination clinics, so staff can get vaccinated at work with minimal disruption.
Provide flu vouchers, so staff who miss the clinic, work remotely, or travel can still get vaccinated at a pharmacy or medical centre.
Communicate early, with simple messages on vaccination dates, consent forms, and what to expect on the day.
Keep the message accurate, the main proven benefit is preventing flu and reducing severe outcomes and positive heart health benefits, while long term links like brain health remain an area of active study.

These steps help employers protect staff, support whānau wellbeing, and reduce winter disruption, with the added benefit that research continues to explore the wider health effects of vaccination.

Sources

Smiling doctor checking an older man’s blood pressure during a routine health appointment in a bright clinic.

Workplace Flu Vaccinations: Supporting Heart Health

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 2, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on Workplace Flu Vaccinations: Supporting Heart Health

Most people underestimate the flu

Many people think of the flu as a bad few days in bed, a fever, body aches, and time away from work. Those symptoms are real, but they are not the full story.

Influenza is not the same as a common cold. It is a viral infection that can put intense stress on the body. For some people, that stress can be serious enough to trigger a heart attack or stroke. This is especially important for older adults, people with heart disease, and anyone with other long term health conditions. It also matters for people who think they are otherwise well.

The Heart Foundation of New Zealand notes that even people without a diagnosed heart condition are more likely to have a heart attack after the flu. That makes influenza more than a seasonal illness. It is also a cardiovascular risk factor that deserves more attention.

Why the flu can affect the heart

When you catch the flu, your immune system responds quickly. That response helps fight the virus, but it also causes inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation can affect the heart and blood vessels in a few important ways. It can make blood more likely to clot. It can place extra strain on the heart through fever, dehydration, and a faster heart rate. It can also disturb fatty plaque already sitting in the arteries. If that plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, a clot can form and block blood flow to the heart or brain.

That is one reason doctors take influenza seriously in people with cardiovascular risk. Research on inflammation and thrombosis shows that infection can push the body into a state where clotting and vascular events become more likely.

The risk rises quickly after infection

One of the strongest studies in this area looked at laboratory confirmed influenza and hospital admissions for heart attack. It found that the risk of acute myocardial infarction was about six times higher in the first seven days after confirmed flu infection than during the control period.

That finding supports what clinicians have suspected for years. A respiratory infection can be the event that tips a person from stable heart disease into a medical emergency. Other studies have also shown that acute infections can raise the risk of cardiovascular events for longer than just a few days, especially in people who already have underlying vascular disease.

This matters because not every person at risk knows they are at risk. Some people have narrowing in their arteries and no obvious symptoms. For them, the flu may be the trigger that reveals a hidden problem.

Prevention matters more than many people realise

If influenza can trigger heart attacks and strokes, then preventing influenza becomes part of protecting the heart.

That is where annual flu vaccination becomes important. A large meta analysis of randomised clinical trials found that influenza vaccination was linked with fewer major cardiovascular events overall. In that analysis, 3.6 percent of vaccinated patients had a major cardiovascular event within 12 months, compared with 5.4 percent in the placebo or control group. The benefit was strongest in people with recent acute coronary syndrome, where risk was reduced by 45 percent.

The Heart Foundation of New Zealand also advises that flu vaccination lowers the chance of getting seriously unwell and helps reduce the risk of heart events. Health New Zealand recommends a flu vaccine every year, and it is funded for people aged 65 and over, pregnant people, and people with long term conditions including heart conditions.

A simple step that supports heart health

Flu vaccination should not be seen only as a way to avoid fever and time off work. It can also be viewed as part of wider cardiovascular prevention.

For someone with heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or older age, the flu vaccine is a practical step that may reduce the chance of both severe infection and a serious heart event. It does not replace blood pressure treatment, cholesterol management, smoking cessation, exercise, or regular medical care. It sits alongside them.

Influenza can do more than make you feel miserable. In some people, it can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Preventing flu is one way to lower that risk, and an annual flu vaccine remains one of the simplest tools we have. Contact us to book in your workplace flu vaccinations, or click here to read more.

Sources

Healthcare professional forming a heart shape with their hands in a medical clinic, symbolising care, compassion, and heart health.

Flu Vaccination and Heart Protection, What You Should Know

Written by Onsite Health Team on March 19, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on Flu Vaccination and Heart Protection, What You Should Know

Flu vaccination helps prevent influenza and reduce severe illness. There is also strong interest in how influenza affects the heart. Cardiovascular events can lead to serious time off work, long recovery times, and hospital admission. For employers who want to make staff healthier, New Zealand workplaces can take practical steps before winter to reduce risk.

Flu infection can trigger heart events

Influenza is not only a respiratory illness. It can place extra strain on the body, especially in people with underlying cardiovascular risk. A 2025 review explains that influenza infection can trigger acute cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. The proposed pathways include systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and increased clotting, which can destabilise plaques and increase the chance of thrombosis.

This matters because the flu spreads quickly in workplaces and households. An infection can lead to fever, dehydration, reduced oxygenation, and higher heart workload. For some people, that can become the tipping point for a heart event. A strong prevention programme helps protect staff across a wide range of health backgrounds.

What studies suggest about flu vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes

The same review brings together evidence that influenza vaccination may reduce cardiovascular event rates. It discusses findings from observational research and randomised trials. The overall picture suggests that vaccinated people experience fewer cardiovascular events, with notable benefit reported in some studies after myocardial infarction.

This does not mean a flu vaccine replaces cardiovascular care. However, it does mean vaccination can be a useful prevention step, especially for people already at higher risk. From a workplace perspective, this is a key point. Flu vaccination supports more than fewer coughs and flu’s, it may also help reduce the chance of severe complications that lead to hospitalisation and prolonged absence.

New Zealand guidance also supports annual vaccination as a routine health measure. Health New Zealand recommends adults get a flu vaccine each year from 1 April. Immunity takes about two weeks to build, so early timing matters for protection before winter peaks.

Note: On the 29th of March, The New Zealand Herald released an article titled “Epidemiologist says influenza vaccine can reduce risk of heart attacks” which may be of interest to support further reading on the topic.

What this means for workplace risk and absence

Cardiovascular events have a high impact on attendance. A heart event usually means emergency care, recovery time, and follow up appointments. Even when an employee returns to work, they may need reduced hours or lighter duties. That can affect teams, rosters, and delivery timeframes.

Flu vaccination cannot remove all risk, but it can help lower the chance of influenza infection and reduce severity. This can mean fewer severe outcomes, fewer long recoveries, and less disruption. It also adds a layer of protection for staff with known heart risk, even if they do not openly discuss their medical history at work.

There is also a wider benefit. Preventing flu at work reduces the chance of staff taking influenza home to vulnerable whānau, including older family members who face higher risk of complications.

A workplace vaccination programme works best when it is easy and planned early. Our process keeps disruption low and improves uptake. Contact our team and we will confirm a suitable clinic date and expected staff numbers.

Sources

Portrait of woman catching a flu, sneezing, feeling sick, sitting on bed with laptop and working on remote while caught a cold.

6 Ways to Reduce Sick Leave in the Workplace

Written by Onsite Health Team on March 5, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on 6 Ways to Reduce Sick Leave in the Workplace

Reducing staff sick leave remains a key priority for employers. Respiratory illnesses such as influenza are a leading cause of winter absence. The Ministry of Health confirms that influenza can cause several days off work for healthy adults and more serious complications for vulnerable people. Planning ahead before the winter can significantly reduce disruption to workflow and productivity. Below are six practical, evidence based ways to support healthier teams and reduce sick leave.

1. Provide Workplace Flu Vaccinations

You guessed it… workplace flu vaccination programmes are one of the most effective strategies for reducing staff sick leave. The Ministry of Health advises that annual influenza vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications. Even in seasons where circulating strains vary slightly, vaccination still reduces severity and duration of illness.

Influenza vaccination takes around two weeks to build effective immune protection. In New Zealand, flu activity usually increases from May and peaks during winter. Encouraging staff to be vaccinated in autumn ensures protection is in place before virus circulation rises.

Offering vaccinations onsite at your workplace removes common barriers such as booking delays, travel time, and lost productivity. Funding vaccination for staff increases uptake and demonstrates commitment to employee wellbeing. Higher vaccination coverage within a workplace reduces the likelihood of rapid spread between colleagues, particularly in shared office spaces, open plan environments, and customer facing roles.

2. Promote a Stay Home When Sick Culture

Attending work while unwell increases transmission risk. Health New Zealand advises people with flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches to stay home until they recover.

Clear workplace policies that support appropriate sick leave reduce pressure on staff to attend work while contagious. Managers and team leaders play an important role by modelling responsible behaviour. Encouraging staff to prioritise recovery reduces the likelihood of workplace outbreaks that result in larger numbers of absences.

3. Improve Workplace Hygiene Practices

Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. Practical hygiene measures reduce transmission risk. Employers can implement:

Accessible hand hygiene stations, including hand sanitiser in shared areas, meeting rooms, reception spaces, and break rooms to encourage regular use throughout the day
Clear reminders about effective hand washing techniques and cough etiquette, reinforced through signage and internal communications
Routine cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces such as door handles, lift buttons, keyboards, shared equipment, and kitchen facilities
Improved ventilation in enclosed spaces, including regular airing of meeting rooms and assessment of mechanical ventilation systems where applicable

The Ministry of Health promotes hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as key infection prevention measures during the New Zealand Flu Season.

4. Support Flexible Working for Office Staff

Flexible working arrangements can reduce close contact during peak illness periods in office environments. Hybrid or remote options lower exposure risk, particularly when influenza activity is high in the community.

If a team member develops mild symptoms but remains well enough to work, remote access allows continuity without exposing colleagues. Gradual return to the office after recovery also reduces relapse and supports sustainable productivity. This approach is particularly relevant for administrative and professional roles.

5. Promote General Health and Wellbeing

Strong overall health supports immune function and recovery. Employers can promote practical wellbeing initiatives such as:

Encouraging adequate sleep through balanced workloads and realistic deadlines
Promoting access to healthy food options in workplace kitchens or events
Supporting physical activity through flexible schedules or wellbeing challenges
Providing access to employee assistance programmes for stress management

WorkSafe New Zealand recognises the connection between worker wellbeing and performance. Supporting staff wellbeing contributes to resilience during winter months.

6. Clear Communication During Flu Season

Clear and consistent communication supports early action. Staff benefit from knowing:

When the flu season begins and when local cases are increasing
Common symptoms of influenza and when to stay home
How and where to access workplace vaccination programmes
gGuidance for protecting vulnerable family members at home

Providing trusted information from Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health reduces confusion and encourages informed decision making. Access frequently asked questions and other resources here.

Stay Safe this Winter

Reducing staff sick leave requires a layered approach. Vaccination reduces severity and spread. Early timing strengthens protection. Hygiene practices lower transmission. Supportive policies prevent wider outbreaks. Flexible work options limit exposure. Wellbeing initiatives strengthen resilience. Clear communication ensures staff understand their role in prevention.

Workplaces that act early before winter peaks are better positioned to maintain productivity and protect their teams. Contact Onsite Health to book your workplace flu vaccinations and take a practical step towards reducing staff sick leave this year.

Health professional applies plaster to vaccinated area on professional woman

What Global Flu Trends mean for New Zealand’s 2026 Flu Season

Written by Onsite Health Team on February 5, 2026. Posted in Education. No Comments on What Global Flu Trends mean for New Zealand’s 2026 Flu Season

2025-2026: A Severe Northern Hemisphere Flu Season

Health authorities across the Northern Hemisphere have reported a strong and early flu season. The United States, United Kingdom and parts of Europe recorded high case numbers and pressure on emergency departments during their winter months. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded a sharp rise in emergency visits and admissions linked to influenza, particularly among older adults and young children. The UK Health Security Agency also confirmed sustained flu activity, with hospitals managing increased pressure during peak weeks.

According to reporting by National Geographic, a new H3N2 influenza A subclade has played a key role in the rise in cases, with genetic changes that may reduce how well prior immunity recognises the virus. Influenza A H3N2 strains were linked with more severe illness in older adults. Experts interviewed by National Geographic explained that flu seasons often move in a pattern between hemispheres, with strains circulating south before spreading north.

“There’s a ping-pong effect between Northern and Southern Hemisphere flu seasons… Whatever is there eventually makes its way up to us, and vice versa.” — Marcus Pereira, infectious diseases physician.

New Zealand does not experience flu in isolation. Influenza viruses travel with people, and global movement allows strains to spread between countries within days. The Northern Hemisphere winter provides valuable data for scientists and public health planners.

What This Means for the New Zealand Flu Season

The World Health Organisation monitors circulating strains across both hemispheres. Each year, experts review genetic sequencing data, hospital trends, and laboratory reports. They then recommend which strains should be included in the Southern Hemisphere vaccine. This process allows vaccine manufacturers to prepare doses that target the strains most likely to circulate during our New Zealand Flu Season.

If H3N2 strains remain dominant overseas, there is a strong chance similar strains will appear here. That does not mean our season will be identical, but patterns often repeat. Keeping track of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere gives us time to prepare.

While vaccine effectiveness can vary year to year, public health data still showed that vaccinated people had lower rates of hospitalisation and severe illness. Even in seasons where strain match is not perfect, vaccination reduces risk. That remains an important message as we look ahead to our own New Zealand Flu Season.

What This Means for You

The New Zealand Flu Season typically runs from May to September, with peak transmission in winter. Flu spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and contaminated surfaces. Workplaces, schools, public transport, and family gatherings all create opportunities for exposure.

A severe flu season overseas can signal a challenging winter at home. For most healthy adults, influenza causes fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue that can last a week or more. Many people require three to five days off work. Some need longer recovery. For older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with long term medical conditions, flu can lead to pneumonia or hospital admission.

Time off work affects productivity and income. Businesses feel the impact when multiple staff members are absent at once. Families feel strain when parents are unwell while caring for children. Not everyone with influenza shows obvious symptoms, yet they can still pass the virus on. Protecting yourself also protects grandparents, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce serious illness from influenza. It does not prevent every case, but it lowers the chance of severe disease, hospitalisation, and complications. In seasons with strong viral activity, this protection becomes even more important.

How Onsite Health Can Help

Higher vaccination rates within a workplace can reduce the spread of influenza between colleagues. Fewer sick days mean more consistent productivity and less disruption to operations. Employers also send a clear message that they value staff wellbeing.

Onsite Health supports workplaces across Auckland by delivering flu vaccinations to staff in workplace settings. Our clinical team follows national guidelines and works to ensure safe administration for staff. We make the process simple, efficient, and accessible. Workplace vaccination programmes reduce barriers such as time, travel, and cost concerns. When vaccination is convenient, uptake improves.

Preparing early for the New Zealand Flu Season allows individuals and businesses to stay ahead of potential disruption. Global flu trends give us warning. Vaccination gives us protection. By acting before winter peaks, we reduce risk to ourselves, our workplaces, and the vulnerable people in our communities. Book now to protect your staff from influenza this winter.

Healthcare worker speaking with a masked patient during a vaccination or health screening appointment, with other people waiting in the background.

How To Plan For An Onsite Vaccination At Your Workplace

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 14, 2022. Posted in Education.

How To Plan For An Onsite Vaccination At Your Workplace

Onsite staff vaccination is essential, especially if your workplace is busy and most workers can’t get enough time to visit conventional vaccination centres. You’re undoubtedly familiar with mass vaccination’s long queues and unpredictable waiting times. Doing it at your business premises is very convenient for your staff.

Keep in mind that your workers’ health is your responsibility. When they’re healthy, they become productive at work, enabling you to make decent profits. Also, vaccination ensures your staff doesn’t miss work now and then. Mark you, flu is one of the main reasons why workers fail to show up at work. Thus, onsite flu vaccination goes a long way to ensuring business continuity. Workplace vaccines also make your staff feel acknowledged, thereby boosting their morale.

Your starting point is to devise a workable plan for the onsite vaccination so that everything proceeds well on the vaccination day. Also, reading through a detailed employer vaccination policy lets you know what you must do to have a successful immunisation activity at your workplace. With that in mind, below are six considerations to make when planning for an onsite vaccination at your workplace:

1. Talk to the staff about vaccination plans

First and foremost, make your plans clear to the staff regarding the forthcoming workplace vaccination. By all means, it shouldn’t be a surprise to them. The activity will face much resistance if vaccinators come to the business premises out of the blue and you ask them to queue for their jabs. Their physical and psychological preparation is mandatory.

While at it, ensure even those on leave get the announcement. Moreover, ensure every department is aware of the workplace vaccine requirements so they prepare accordingly.

2. Prepare adequate space for the health professionals to set up

The vaccinators you invite for an onsite vaccination will require enough space to set up their equipment. Usually, a table and a couple of chairs. If you have dozens of workers vaccinated, the activity may take up to a couple of hours, and you wouldn’t want them to interfere with the core business functions. So, consider doing the vaccination in unused space within your premises. This way, they can work efficiently without interrupting any ongoing business in the office.

3. Schedule the days for the vaccinations

Specifying the exact day and time the onsite vaccination will take place is paramount. By doing so, your staff will clear any urgent tasks before the activity begins so that they don’t use it as an excuse for failing to show up for the jab. Scheduling also assists in preparing your staff physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Bear in mind that some people develop anxieties on news that they’ll receive needle injections. Thus, if they’re informed beforehand, they’ll have enough time to process and calm their fears.

4. Decide on the incentives to give

Not all news of vaccination is received with open arms. Sometimes, there’s resistance. For this reason, you’d want to incentivise your staff through free giveaways like sporting tickets, scholarships, cash, food, drinks, and lottery entries.

Additionally, you can make it kind of a family day by allowing your staff to bring their loved ones along for the vaccination. Everyone loves such breaks from the norm; thus, they’ll gladly embrace the activity.

5. Determine how you’ll handle those with side effects

To reiterate, some vaccines come with an array of side effects. Pain, swelling, redness, and / or, tenderness around the injection site are the most frequent side effects from a flu vaccination Thus, it’s essential to put a plan in place to handle such reactions. You can consider creating some days off for the affected persons for any severities.

Conclusion

Onsite vaccination at your workplace helps prevent spreading of diseases such as flu among your workers. More so, it’s convenient for your staff as they won’t have to change their schedule and travel to other vaccine centres. So, plan adequately to ensure the activity progresses without any hitches. Ultimately, your crew will stay healthy and be productive at work. They’ll also appreciate your show of care for their well-being.

References

Anonymous, “Promoting Vaccination in the Workplace,” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, October 25, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/promoting-vaccines-workplace.htm

Anonymous, “Why it’s important to get a flu jab,” Manatu Hauora, March 31, 2022, https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/influenza/flu-influenza-vaccines/why-its-important-get-flu-jab

Anonymous, “Possible Side effects from Vaccines,” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm

Deborah Weatherspoon, “Understanding Opposition to Vaccines,” Healthline, September 15, 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/opposition

Bandage being applied to a woman’s upper arm after an injection.

What To Consider For Workplace Vaccination Planning

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 14, 2022. Posted in Education.

4 Things To Consider When Planning Workplace Vaccination

Pre-pandemic, some workplace vaccination guidelines dictate regular flu immunisations in and out of the office premises. For instance, large corporations offer mobile flu vaccinations to their workers to eliminate productivity losses. An estimated number of 200,000 people usually acquire influenza in New Zealand, and around 2% die from this.

For companies, workplace vaccination remains the primary antidote to sickness. The same holds true for the rest of the population. Hence, it’s always a wise decision to seek a mobile flu vaccination service to get protected. When planning an on-site immunisation activity for the office, it’s prudent to consider the following points.

1. Determining the best option

There are two main options for vaccination: on-site and off-site solutions. Workplace vaccination can be done in different ways; companies can set up their own or request private and government health. facilities to provide 2023 flu vaccine NZ services.

On-site workplace vaccination is better suited for medium to large organisations with most staff staying at the office from 9 am to 5 pm. It’s also a better option if most workers remain unvaccinated or don’t have access to these services.

Meanwhile, off-site or community immunisations would require your team to search for ‘on site vaccination near me.’ Clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare providers often provide fixed or mobile flu vaccination activities at least once yearly.

Your staff may opt for ‘mobile flu vaccine near me’ or ‘mobile flu shots near me’ if you’re a small company lacking resources for mobilising on-site vaccinations. An off-site option is also better for organisations with workers who only have a few unvaccinated workers and those with unpredictable schedules.

2. Communicating with staff

Transparency is crucial in the entire workplace vaccination process. While employers are mandated in most countries to ensure their workers’ health, welfare, and well-being, legislations vary considerably.

In New Zealand, some industry workers must have vaccinations for specific illnesses. Thus, it’s not surprising for some organisations to have mobile flu vaccinations. Mandated immunisations may also be done as long as it’s deemed reasonable and lawful. Rules may vary depending on the current health situation, so it’s best to check government health sites periodically for updates.

Before launching an on-site mobile flu vaccination, survey your staff. Check how many are willing to be vaccinated so you can choose the best method for your company. Address vaccine hesitancy by providing credible information and assigning vaccine champions to listen to staff concerns and resolve them appropriately. Besides updated information, boost vaccine confidence by highlighting the benefits and celebrating those who’ve gotten their jabs by offering incentives such as paid time off.

3. Assessing available resources

Depending on the scale and scope of the activity, facilities for organising vaccinations or taking the ‘mobile flu shots near me’ method must be aware of these elements to ensure smooth implementation.

Staff involvement: Your company must coordinate with the vaccination provider to create specific workplace vaccination guidelines if you don’t have one yet. Consider important points covering all activities, from administrative and logistical to security components. Assign company focal persons and at least one backup.

Vaccination area: Check if authorities require specific regulations concerning the size, amenities, surroundings, and other considerations. For walk-through vaccinations, your company may have to choose a large site to host vaccinees in a waiting area which provides ample lighting to vaccinators.

4. Choosing an ideal vaccine provider

Perform due diligence before choosing the healthcare service provider. Consider the following elements when planning a workplace vaccination activity for your company:

Experience and expertise in providing your preferred service(s)
The healthcare staff’s qualifications
Cost and your budget
Service inclusions
Overall support

Mobile flu vaccinations may be easier to conduct than other on-site immunisation methods. However, it doesn’t mean they can do all the heavy lifting for you. Maintain clear communication with the healthcare staff to know what roles you have to fill before, during, and after engaging ‘mobile flu shots near me’ and 2023 lu vaccine NZ services. It also helps monitor workplace immunisation’s success by recording the number of sick days and incidences of respiratory illnesses.

Conclusion

Per CDC, billions are spent on medical costs for flu-induced illnesses in the US. This doesn’t include the losses incurred by businesses in lost productivity and disruptions to operations. As such, it’s wise to invest in workers’ well-being and health.

An on-site flu shot may entail cost, but it’s still the cheapest way for companies to eliminate potential losses due to the virus down the road. Besides, a healthy and happy worker makes a productive and highly motivated team member.

References:

Felix Yeung, “Mandating Vaccinations in the Workplace” Employsure, December 19, 2021, https://employsure.co.nz/blog/mandating-vaccinations-in-the-workplace/
CDC, “Promoting Vaccination in the Workplace,” Center for Disease Prevention and Control, October 25, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/promoting-vaccines-workplace.htm
CDC, “Planning Activities,” Center for Disease Prevention and Control, July 23, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/mass-clinic-activities/planning-activities.html
Jamie Morton, “NZ is still flu-free – here’s the problem with that,” nzherald.co.nz, September 29, 2021, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-is-still-flu-free-heres-the-problem-with-that/MMHFMFUXHIN7Y32NGH4TISOIA4/#:~:text=Normally%20each%20year%2C%20more%20than%20200%2C000%20New%20Zealanders,deaths%2C%20and%20more%20than%20the%20annual%20road%20toll.

Healthcare worker placing a bandage on a man’s upper arm after an injection.

How To Make Your Flu Shot More Effective In New Zealand

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 10, 2022. Posted in Education.

Flu Vaccinations NZ: How To Make Your Flu Shot More Effective

For centuries, influenza has remained a public health concern across all countries. Global estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that about one billion flu cases occur yearly. Of this figure, up to 650,000 people die from severe complications. To prevent deaths and minimise the number of critical cases, the WHO highly encourages vaccination for protection.

Like the rest of the world, the New Zealand government has free vaccination programs for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and pregnant women. Besides this, flu shots are also being offered in the workplace, administered by private healthcare providers.

Flu vaccination works by administering an inactivated version of the flu virus into your body. The inactivated virus helps your immune system detect and then combat the flu virus should you be exposed to the flu.

While a flu shot doesn’t guarantee zero infection, it can help reduce the risks of complications.

In NZ, more than 1.2 million people have received their flu shots, according to the Ministry of Health. Additionally, the health agency has administered influenza jabs to over 574,000 seniors, or 71% of people over 65.

Discover more about flu shots and how you can optimise their efficacy in this article.

1. Know when to schedule your flu shot

Flu shots are best scheduled before the onset of winter. New Zealand experiences cold seasons from June to August, with temperatures ranging from 1.5 – 15.5 degrees Celsius (35 – 60F).

While the flu virus remains active year-round, respiratory illnesses tend to spike during winter. According to the Johns Hopkins site, the colder months force people to stay indoors. Without proper ventilation, it’s easier to spread the virus around. Additionally, individuals may have lower resistance levels due to the cold, dry air.

As different territories have different seasons, it’s best to check with your private and public healthcare practitioners about the best time to get jabbed. A flu shot in April or May could be the best option for NZ residents.

It can take two weeks before a flu shot to work, so it’s best to practice caution and limit your interactions with symptomatic people.

2. Get yearly shots

One of the primary reasons for the influenza virus’ tenacity is that it can adapt and evolve rapidly. The vaccines formulated last year may not effectively fight newly-formed strains of the present or future. Similarly, the potency of flu shots wanes over time. It’s best to get yearly flu shots for these reasons.

Getting the correct flu shots every year lets you enjoy a steady and high level of protection. Additionally, you’ll reduce the risk of infections among vulnerable populations and minimise the need for hospitalisation.

3. Keep everyone in the household vaccinated

It’s vital to keep every household member immunised to the flu virus. Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Carriers who may not show any symptoms are capable of passing on the virus to their close contacts.

Besides children, the elderly and pregnant women, the NZ government also offers free immunisations to Maori and Pacific people older than 55 or children from 3 to 12 and patients with mental health and addiction issues. A flu vaccination consent form may be required in specific cases.

Ensuring that everyone in the family over six months old gets a jab is one way of promoting community immunity. This phenomenon, also called herd immunity, happens when a certain group gains higher levels of protection after receiving vaccines or recovering from the illness, strengthening their ability to fight off the infection.

4. Practise health and hygiene protocols

Flu vaccine efficacy may be your first line of defence, but exercising and proper hygiene can also boost your protection. To minimise the risks of getting infected, always wash your hands and use hand sanitiser wherever you go. Also, clean and disinfect door knobs and other high-contact surfaces at home or in the office.

Avoid dense areas and people with flu symptoms like chills and coughs. If you’re sick, call your supervisor, and don’t report for work until you feel better. Don’t hesitate to book a consultation if your symptoms don’t go away for a week.

Concluding thoughts

Vaccinations remain the most effective approach to combatting influenza, and the above mentioned tips can help boost your protection. While health agencies worldwide have established flu management and immunisation programs, private companies like Onsite Health welcomes client organisations who have 10 or more staff wanting to receive flu vaccinations at the workplace. Should you need our assistance, send us a message or call us to get the care and protection you and your staff deserve.

What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccination in the workplace?

Written by Onsite Health Team on April 5, 2022. Posted in Education. No Comments on What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccination in the workplace?

Hasn’t the weather been amazing in Auckland over the summer period, and the good news is, its likely to continue for some time now. The lovely fine days are continuing back into the working months also which is a bonus. Certainly a summer to remember that’s for sure.

It’s hard to envisage now (when we are tanned and getting around in light cotton clothing) that in the not too distant future, the flu season will be peaking and the cotton clothes will be replaced with pyjamas and a thick woollen blanket as we lie shivering in our beds.

Regardless of how well we eat or look after ourselves, the flu virus can still hunt us down and create havoc to our working lives and families. The great news is you don’t have to suffer this winter if you act now and if you own a medium sized business you can easily and effectively ensure your staff are protected.

Now is the time to book your workplace flu vaccinations.

Now is the time that businesses all over the country are organising their staff flu vaccinations so by the time the Flu epidemic hits their staff they are well protected and the wheels on industry can continue to prosper.
After all, your business’ daily operations are greatly affected when you lose an employee to the flu.

So, what’s the best answer for the question? What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccination in the workplace?
The best answer lies within the fact that the CDC claims that every year the flu costs the U.S almost $10.4 billion in hospitalisations and outpatient visits just for adults alone. This does not take in to account the costs to business owners through lost production which also has a high figure.

So we know that the Flu can be destructive to our society so now it’s simply a matter of what you’re going to do about it. One thing you can do is host a flu vaccination clinic in your workplace. Its never been easier to do and the process is very cost effective in relation to what it can cost your business. You’ll be able to say that it was worth it when your staff are fit and well over winter. In fact, you’ll even be planning a clinic for each every year from this point on as the results come in. We have many clients who repeat the process annually and are thrilled with the results.

So what are the benefits of getting a workplace flu vaccination?

The benefits of the workplace injections are numerous and it is not just business owners that wonder about the results. Your employees are also wondering and for this reason, you should offer them incentives for getting their flu shot, such as providing it to them for free, offering refreshments or hosting a contest for the department that has the highest number of employees who get vaccinated.

Now that you have some answers to the question you’ll want to check out what our business can offer. We will send our friendly, experienced nurses into your business to give flu shots for 10 to (about) 100 people at once. We can also check your staff pulse, blood pressure and other vitals as an extra service if requested. This is valuable to your company so consider investing in it today.

Contact Onsite Health to book your flu vaccinations today. Or call 0800 357 357.

Benefits of Employee Flu Shots in Mt Wellington

Written by Onsite Health Team on March 21, 2022. Posted in Education.

Onsite Health focuses on providing the benefits of workplace flu vaccinations in Mt Wellington. We understand the importance of the well-being of your employees, and we strive to increase the productivity of your business by conducting health screenings and corporate flu shots.

What is the Flu?

The flu is a serious seasonal illness that hospitalises and kills thousands of people each year. Sometimes people misuse the word flu by referring to a cold or stomach bug. The flu is a disease that comes with a specific set of signs that cause days of debilitating symptoms.

Many of the symptoms are similar to the common cold such as a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, cough, and headache. Many people run a fever and children can have stomach issues such as diarrhoea or vomiting. However, the symptoms that separate the flu from other illnesses is the overwhelming muscle aches and malaise. It’s this extreme fatigue that makes the flu so debilitating, and it can last anywhere from one to six weeks.

The flu is spread from person to person through droplets released during coughing and sneezing. The complications mostly affect the young, old, and those with underlying health concerns. It’s essential for everybody to take responsibility to reduce infection by staying home when they have the flu and by getting an annual flu shot.

Workplace Flu Vaccinations in Mt Wellington

Employee flu vaccinations are a safe and effective way of keeping the whole community safe from the dangerous effects of the flu. Even though flu shots are readily available, adults often don’t take the time to get one. Corporate flu shots increase the number of adults who receive the vaccination which also makes them less likely to pass the flu onto others.

Workplace flu vaccinations also increase the productivity of your company by preventing the flu in your employees and by reducing sick days. The effects of the flu can last for several weeks so even when they return to work, staff are unable to perform at peak ability. An employee who gets a flu vaccination is also less likely to take days off to care for flu-stricken family members. We invite you to read more about our workplace flu vaccinations and how the flu affects your business.

People sometimes baulk at getting flu shots because they have heard you can still get sick. If you do get sick later in the season, you are likely to have milder symptoms for a shorter length of time. Studies have also shown that incidences of hospitalisations and deaths decrease in children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

It’s important that people are vaccinated against the flu each year because the flu shots are tailored for that season’s flu strains. If you have any questions about the effectiveness or safety of vaccinations or you would like to book a day for your business in Mt Wellington to provide corporate flu shots, contact Onsite Health.

Company wide flu vaccinations from Onsite Health

Written by Onsite Health Team on March 16, 2022. Posted in Education.

The flu: virtually every workplace contends with it at some point. Most businesses have office flu breakouts every winter, leading to a slew of absences and a major blow against productivity. Luckier businesses might only deal with flu outbreaks once every few years, but even that is too often. By investing in workplace flu shots for your business, you can drastically reduce the chances of a flu outbreak—thus ensuring superior winter productivity across your entire office.

Onsite Health: Your Source for Company Flu Vaccinations in Auckland

At Onsite Health, we are the right people to help you with corporate flu shots. We started offering company flu vaccinations back in 2000, the year we began our workplace services. That date made us early adopters of the ‘flu shots at work’ model. We were one of the very first organisations in Auckland to offer this service. It’s since become a popular strategy to keep employees healthy throughout the winter flu season. We have been there all along, working with many businesses on an annual basis to prevent pesky flu outbreaks.

Typically, a bout of flu lasts a week or two. The worst symptoms typically stick around for 2-3 days and are often debilitating. Even after those symptoms subside, though, the flu takes a while to go away entirely, lingering with symptoms like fatigue and coughing for 4 – 6 weeks after the most severe symptoms have passed.

Because of this lifecycle, the flu poses an especially large challenge for offices. On the one hand, you want your employees at work. Your employees want to be at work. They certainly don’t want to use up all their time off fighting an illness that keeps them in bed or on the couch for days at a time. On the other hand, you don’t want your workers coming to the office and coughing or sneezing all over the place, spreading flu germs to other employees. Neither outcome is ideal.

When your work with Onsite Health, you get a much-needed third option. Our flu vaccinations are seasonal quadrivalent flu shots, which means they contain all four flu strains expected to be in circulation throughout the winter months. These vaccinations are extremely effective in inoculating people against current flu strains. By making sure everyone in your office is vaccinated, you can greatly reduce the chances of the flu killing your productivity this season.

Plan Your Work Flu Vaccinations Today

With the winter season in full swing in New Zealand, now is the time to protect your staff against highly contagious seasonal flu strains. Remember that the average person with the flu will miss three to five workdays. Multiply those statistics across your office, and you can start to see how much of an impact the flu can have on your workplace productivity. By investing in corporate flu vaccinations, you ensure a happier, healthier, and more productive office—even during what is traditionally the least healthy time of the year. Call Onsite Health today to schedule your office vaccinations in Auckland.