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Onsite Health assists workplaces in planning their onsite visits.

We Are Finished Taking Bookings for Workplace Flu Vaccinations

We have now finished taking bookings for our 2026 workplace flu vaccination season. Each year, there comes a point when onsite clinic availability closes and we shift our full focus to completing the remaining booked visits.

Why workplace flu vaccination timing matters

Workplace flu vaccination works best when it is planned early. In New Zealand, the flu vaccine is available from 1 April each year, before winter starts. Health New Zealand recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months of age. Healthify also notes that it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to become most effective. That is why many employers aim to organise vaccination before winter pressure builds across their teams.  

Flu season in Aotearoa New Zealand usually runs from May to October. During this period, workplaces often see more staff illness, more disruption, and more pressure on rosters and day to day operations. Influenza spreads quickly through shared environments, including offices, warehouses, customer facing workplaces, staff rooms, and meeting spaces.  

Why we stop taking bookings before the season ends

The wider influenza immunisation programme continues well beyond early winter. Healthify states that the influenza immunisation programme runs from 1 April to 31 December. Even so, an onsite workplace vaccination service has its own operational limits. There comes a point in the season when remaining clinic time needs closing as winter influenza viruses are circulating in the community and vaccination is of less benefit.

Closing bookings before the very end of the winter vaccination period helps us deliver the remaining clinics properly and safely.

Why employers still prioritise flu vaccination

Many employers offer flu vaccination to their staff because it is a simple way to support worker health through winter. The Immunisation Advisory Centre says annual influenza immunisation is recommended for everyone who can be vaccinated, and it notes that many employers offer the vaccine to staff. This fits with what we see each year. Businesses want to reduce barriers, make vaccination easier to access, and help their people prepare before flu spreads more widely.  

The flu vaccine is updated each year to match the strains most likely to circulate in New Zealand. Healthify explains that you need a flu vaccine every year because the vaccine is made to match the strains likely to be in Aotearoa New Zealand, and because protection becomes less over time.  

What this means for businesses now

For businesses that already have a booking with us, your clinic will continue as planned. We will keep working through our remaining workplace visits as we finish the season.

For businesses that missed out this year, the best next step is to plan earlier for 2027. The most useful workplace flu vaccination programmes are usually the ones organised well before winter demand becomes compressed. Early planning gives more choice around timing, better internal communication with staff, and a better chance of vaccinating people before winter flu exposure rises. Email Onsite Health at mail@onsitehealth.co.nz and we will add you to our database to contact early next year.

This matters because winter is when people are most likely to come into contact with influenza, and the vaccine needs time to work. Booking early helps line up workplace access with the period when vaccination is most useful.  

Looking ahead to next season

Flu vaccination remains one of the most practical seasonal health steps a workplace can support. It helps protect staff, supports business continuity, and reduces some of the pressure that winter illness can place on teams. While we are no longer taking new bookings for our 2026 workplace flu vaccinations, the value of planning ahead remains clear.

If your business missed the booking window this year, now is a good time to note it for next season. Early action gives the best chance of securing a workplace flu vaccination clinic during the most useful part of the winter vaccination period and after flu vaccines become available at the start of April each year.

References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.  

Don’t Miss Out on Workplace Flu Vaccinations

If your business has not booked its 2026 workplace flu vaccinations yet, now is the time to act. We are finishing our workplace flu vaccination season in June, so the booking window is narrowing. For many businesses, this is the last chance to organise an onsite clinic.

Why workplace vaccination is still worth booking

In New Zealand, flu season usually runs from May to October. That means winter exposure is already underway, and workplaces that delay much longer risk missing the best practical window to vaccinate staff through a workplace clinic.  

Flu spreads quickly through shared work environments. Offices, warehouses, retail teams, hospitality venues, healthcare settings, and transport based roles all bring people into close contact. Health New Zealand says influenza spreads from person to person through touch and droplets in the air, including coughing, sneezing, and talking. Once one staff member brings flu into the workplace, it can move through a team quickly.  

Workplace vaccination remains one of the most practical ways to reduce that risk. The Immunisation Advisory Centre states that annual flu immunisation is recommended for everyone who can be vaccinated, and also notes that many employers offer the vaccine to their staff. From a business point of view, onsite delivery makes access easier, reduces the need for staff to book separate appointments, and helps improve uptake across the team.  

Our 2026 workplace vaccination season is nearly finished

We are now in the final part of our workplace vaccination season, and we will be finishing our onsite flu vaccinations in June. We are not closing on one fixed public date, because clinic availability depends on remaining capacity and scheduling, but the season is coming to a close.

That means businesses that still want an onsite workplace clinic should not leave it too long. Once our June appointments are full, the remaining options become more limited. For some employers, that may mean relying on individual staff to arrange vaccination elsewhere, rather than having the convenience of an organised workplace clinic.

Why acting now helps your team

Booking now gives your staff the best chance to receive vaccination while winter is still in front of us. Even though the national influenza immunisation programme runs beyond mid year, the best time for a workplace clinic is generally before winter demand and staffing pressures make planning harder. Healthify says it is best to get the flu vaccine as soon as you can, because winter is when people are most likely to come into contact with influenza.  

This is especially important for teams that include staff at higher risk of complications, including older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain long term health conditions. Health New Zealand continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over six months of age, with funded access for eligible groups.  

A practical step before the season moves on

Flu vaccination is one of the simplest seasonal health steps a business can take. It supports staff wellbeing, reduces barriers to vaccination, and helps workplaces respond early rather than waiting for illness to disrupt operations. We are still vaccinating, but only for a limited time as we move through June.

If your business has been meaning to organise workplace flu vaccinations for 2026, this is the time to do it. Do not miss out on the last part of the season while clinic space is still available.

References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Now Is the Optimal Time for a Flu Vaccination in Auckland

If you are wondering when to get a flu vaccination, the answer for Auckland is now. In New Zealand, the flu vaccine becomes available from 1 April each year, before winter starts. Health New Zealand recommends yearly flu vaccination for everyone aged over 6 months. The vaccine is updated each year because influenza viruses change over time.  

Why timing matters

Timing matters because flu protection is not immediate. Health New Zealand advises planning at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead before winter, and Healthify notes that it takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to become most effective. That means people vaccinated in April or early May are more likely to have good protection in place before flu activity builds through winter.  

In Auckland, winter brings the same seasonal rise in respiratory illness seen across the rest of New Zealand. Flu spreads easily in offices, schools, public transport, healthcare settings, retail spaces, and busy households. When more people are indoors and in close contact, viruses move more easily from person to person. That is why early vaccination matters. It gives your immune system time to respond before exposure risk rises.  

Why April and May are the best window

From a clinical point of view, April and May are the most practical months for most people to be vaccinated. The vaccine is available from 1 April, and winter is the period when you are most likely to come into contact with influenza. The Immunisation Advisory Centre also advises that the vaccine should be given before the influenza season in New Zealand.  

This early timing is especially helpful for people with busy work schedules, travel plans, school commitments, or family responsibilities. It is easier to plan vaccination before winter pressure starts. It also lowers the chance of leaving it too late and entering the peak season without full protection. For Auckland workplaces, this matters because flu can affect several staff members at once and create disruption across teams. Early vaccination is one of the simplest ways to reduce that risk.  

Who should think about getting vaccinated now

Health New Zealand recommends flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months of age. It is particularly important for people more likely to become seriously unwell, including pregnant people, older adults, and people with certain long term conditions.

Even if you are generally healthy, vaccination still matters. Influenza is usually worse than a common cold, and it can spread before people realise how unwell they are becoming. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of catching flu and helps lower the spread of flu within the wider community. This protects not only the individual, but also whānau, workmates, customers, and more vulnerable people around them.  

Why waiting is not ideal

Some people assume they can wait until winter is fully underway. The problem with that approach is that by the time flu is circulating widely, you may already have had exposure, and the vaccine still needs time to work. A delay of even a couple of weeks can reduce how prepared you are during the early part of peak season. If the goal is strong winter protection, earlier is better than later.  

For Auckland businesses, the message is straightforward. The flu vaccine is already available, winter is approaching, and protection takes time to build. Getting vaccinated now is the best step if you want your protection in place when winter illness reaches its highest point.  

References

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

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

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

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

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

Healthify. (n.d.). Influenza.

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

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

Onsite Health Begins Sending 2026 Flu Vouchers to Clients

Our 2026 flu vouchers started going out to clients at the beginning of April. In New Zealand, flu vaccines become available from 1 April each year, and annual vaccination is recommended before or during the winter flu season. Protection is not instant, it usually takes about two weeks for the body to build a good immune response after vaccination. Sending vouchers early helps employers give staff enough time to get protected before flu activity builds through winter. 

Why we send 2026 flu vouchers in April

Health New Zealand advises that the flu vaccine is available from 1 April, and recommends yearly flu vaccination for everyone aged over 6 months. The Immunisation Advisory Centre also advises annual vaccination because influenza strains change, and the vaccine is updated to match the strains most likely to circulate. 

From a clinical point of view, early vaccination is practical. The aim is to have protection in place before flu spreads widely through workplaces, households, schools, and public spaces. For businesses, that matters because influenza can move quickly through teams and lead to several staff being away at the same time.

Who 2026 flu vouchers are for

Flu vouchers are useful for staff who cannot attend an onsite workplace vaccination clinic. That includes people working from home, staff who travel, employees based in other regions, and anyone who is away on the day of the workplace visit. They also suit organisations with smaller teams, or those spread across more than one site.

This is one of the practical strengths of a voucher programme. A business may run an onsite clinic for head office staff, while also giving vouchers to people in regional offices or remote roles. That helps employers extend coverage across the wider team, rather than limiting access to one location or one day. Onsite Health’s flu voucher offering is designed for this kind of nationwide staff coverage.   

How Onsite Health distributes flu vouchers

We send flu vouchers to the client, not directly to individual staff members. This gives employers more control and flexibility over how vouchers are shared across their team. A business can decide who needs a voucher, when it should be sent, and how it should be distributed internally. This works well for organisations with a mix of office based staff, remote workers, travelling employees, or teams spread across different locations. It also makes it easier to manage last minute changes, staff absences, and new starters. By sending vouchers to the client for internal distribution, we help keep the process simple, practical, and easy to manage.

Where staff can redeem flu vouchers

Our 2026 flu vouchers can be redeemed at selected GP surgeries and vaccinating Unichem and Life Pharmacies throughout New Zealand. This gives staff a simple option close to home or work, rather than needing to travel to a main office for vaccination. For employers with teams in more than one city, this makes planning easier and more inclusive. 

Vouchers are emailed directly to the client for internal distribution to staff. This keeps the process simple and allows employers to send them to the right people quickly. There is also no minimum number required to purchase flu vouchers, which makes them a practical option for both small and large teams. 

How flu vouchers support nationwide staff coverage

Many New Zealand businesses no longer work from one central office. Some teams are hybrid, some are fully remote, and some are spread across regional branches. A flu voucher programme helps employers respond to that change in a practical way.

From a health point of view, wider vaccine access improves the chance that more staff will be vaccinated before winter peaks. Many employers already support flu vaccination because it helps reduce the risk of severe illness and can lower disruption during winter. Easier access usually supports better uptake. When people can get vaccinated in their own area, at a pharmacy or clinic that suits them, there are fewer barriers around time, travel, and logistics. 

This approach also gives staff flexibility. Some people may miss an onsite clinic because of leave, meetings, travel, or shift patterns. A voucher gives them another way to be included, increasing workforce coverage.

A practical step before winter

Sending 2026 flu vouchers in April is a simple but important part of winter planning. It matches the start of the New Zealand flu vaccination season, supports timely protection, and helps employers reach staff across different locations. For many organisations, vouchers are not a replacement for onsite clinics, but an added layer of access.

Contact us to get flu vaccination vouchers for your staff today.

Sources

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

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

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

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

Onsite Health is Now Vaccinating Across Auckland

Workplace flu vaccinations have started for 2026

We have now started providing 2026 flu vaccinations across Auckland. Our workplace clinics began at the start of April, which gives Auckland businesses the chance to protect staff before flu activity builds through winter. We are taking bookings for the rest of the season, which lasts until June.

Flu protection is not immediate. The flu vaccine usually takes up to two weeks to build good protection, which is why vaccination is recommended before or during the early part of the New Zealand flu season. Health New Zealand and the Immunisation Advisory Centre both advise annual flu vaccination because influenza viruses change regularly and the vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. 

Why timing matters for Auckland workplaces

In New Zealand, flu is most common during winter. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. In busy offices, warehouses, customer facing workplaces, and shared staff areas, one case can quickly become several. That can mean disruption, sick leave, and pressure on teams during an already busy part of the year. 

That is why we start workplace flu vaccinations in April. Vaccinating early helps staff build protection before influenza spreads more widely in the community. It also gives employers more choice around booking dates and helps avoid the rush that often comes later in autumn and early winter.

How our workplace vaccination service works

We keep the process simple and practical. After a workplace books with us, we confirm the date, time, site details, and expected staff numbers. We then attend the workplace and provide vaccinations onsite through an authorised vaccinator. Staff complete consent before vaccination, and we advise a 15 minute post vaccination wait period afterwards.

This approach helps remove common barriers. Staff do not need to arrange separate appointments, drive to a clinic, or take extra time out of the day. Making flu vaccination easy usually improves uptake, which is important in workplaces where higher participation can help reduce the spread of infection between colleagues. The Immunisation Advisory Centre notes that many employers offer flu vaccination to staff as part of good winter health planning. 

Vaccine options for 2026

For 2026, we are offering two flu vaccine options, a traditional egg based vaccine and Flucelvax®, which is a cell based vaccine. Both are designed to protect against the influenza strains expected to circulate during the coming winter.

The 2026 vaccine strains reflect the World Health Organization recommendation for the Southern Hemisphere season. As with every year, the strain mix has been updated because influenza viruses change over time. This annual update is one reason a flu vaccination is recommended each year, even for people who had one last winter.   

Workplace flu vaccinations across Auckland

We provide workplace flu vaccinations across Auckland, including key business areas and larger employment hubs such as Auckland CBD, Newmarket, Parnell, Grafton, Penrose, Mount Wellington, Ellerslie, Greenlane, Onehunga, East Tamaki, Highbrook, Mount Eden, Albany, Takapuna, Rosedale, Wairau Valley, Henderson, Westgate, Airport Oaks, Māngere, and Manukau.

If you are looking to book workplace flu vaccinations across Auckland, we can arrange an onsite clinic at your workplace and help make the process simple for your team. Feel free to reach out to us if you are not sure if we cover your Greater Auckland location.

Support for remote and flexible teams

Not every employee is in the office on vaccination day. Some work remotely, are travelling, or are based outside Auckland. To support these staff, we also offer flu vouchers that can be redeemed at selected clinics and pharmacies across New Zealand. This gives employers a practical way to include more of their team in the vaccination programme, even when staff are spread across different locations.   

Don’t miss out on protecting your staff this winter

Annual flu vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications. It also supports staff wellbeing and helps workplaces prepare for the winter months with less disruption.

We have already started our 2026 workplace flu vaccinations across Auckland. If your business is planning ahead for winter, now is a good time to book. Reach out to our friendly team to organise a date and time that is right for your staff.

Sources

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

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

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

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2025). Influenza.

Immunisation Advisory Centre. (2026, February 16). Guidelines for post-vaccination wait times.

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

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

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:

  1. Felix Yeung, “Mandating Vaccinations in the Workplace” Employsure, December 19, 2021, https://employsure.co.nz/blog/mandating-vaccinations-in-the-workplace/ 
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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

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?

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

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.

Workplace Flu Vaccinations in East Tamaki

Every year thousands of workers take days off because of the flu virus. This pesky virus is not only a yearly annoyance, but it can also be dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or other health issues, and it leads to a serious loss in workforce productivity every year. Taking people out of action for at least five days, the flu virus is a big problem in many workplaces. Thankfully it’s easy to prevent with employee flu vaccinations in East Tamaki.

It used to be the case that every employee would have to find time on their own to go in and get a flu shot individually. While management could encourage people to take the time to get vaccinated — thereby protecting themselves and the rest of the workforce from infection – it’s hard to make sure everyone gets it done before outbreaks start to happen. Today, Onsite Health make it much easier to protect your workforce from the flu. Just pick a day when most employees are present, and a mobile health team will come right to you and administer the flu vaccine. 

Find East Tamaki Corporate Flu Shots

Since 2000, Onsite Health has been providing corporate flu vaccinations annually to firms in the greater Auckland area. These services can help your organisation prevent a costly — and potentially dangerous — flu outbreak and make sure your employees are as healthy as possible during the flu season. Every year, we provide East Tamaki with corporate flu shots from April to late June when the virus is seasonally active. With a team of experienced Vaccinators, we’ll set up right in your office and provide a cost and time effective solution to getting your whole staff vaccinated all in one place. 

These East Tamaki workplace flu vaccinations are just one of the innovative ways Onsite Health has been helping businesses across the greater Auckland region keep workplace health in mind and provide cost-saving medical services to their staff. Keeping staff absenteeism to a minimum is always a management goal, and with onsite health services, it’s that much easier. 

Experienced Providers 

As a healthcare provider since 2000, the Onsite Health team has been administering flu shots through many different seasons of the virus—which is vital since the flu virus changes frequently and the vaccination strains must change with it. With Onsite Health you can rest assured that our experienced Vaccinators are up to date on the latest changes and advances in flu vaccination, giving your employees maximum coverage against the disease. 

Don’t let the flu take valuable days of work from your office this year. Instead, get in touch with Onsite Health today to learn more about our mobile flu vaccination program as well as our other onsite health services. Losing productivity to the flu virus is something we treat with normality now, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With greater vaccination coverage we can take back those sick days and maintain a much healthier workforce in East Tamaki and across Auckland. Call today at 0800 357 357 and set up a mobile flu vaccination clinic at your office — before the flu season gets going in force again.

Supplement Your Corporate Wellness Plan with Workplace Flu Vaccinations in Albany

Health and wellness are vital priorities for any business to recognise. The modern workplace is a stressful place, one where employees spend long hours, take on hefty responsibilities, and race against deadlines. Also, offices are places where germs, viruses, and illnesses tend to get passed around quickly and frequently. Emphasising wellness in your workplace can result in a healthier, happier staff. Fitness and exercise have been shown to decrease stress, boost enthusiasm and even provide superior immunity. However, if you want to guard your employees against severe illnesses like influenza, you will need to supplement your wellness program with staff flu shots in Albany.

Why the Flu Can Still Affect Healthy People

Launching initiatives to create a healthier workforce is a good business idea. There is a reason that workplace wellness programs are becoming so much more common than they used to be. There is also a reason that many job searchers are looking for companies that promote a focus on wellness. It’s not always easy to find time to exercise during the workday. Corporate wellness programs make it more accessible.

However, the fact is that even the best wellness program cannot guarantee that your employees will be healthy. While regular exercise, healthy diet, and other good health habits can undoubtedly help with immunity, they do not make a person invulnerable to the illnesses that tend to circulate in offices.

Take the flu. The flu is a serious illness that tends to be highly contagious. In the close quarters of an office environment, employees can infect others with the flu even before they start showing any symptoms. The 2015 Southern Hemisphere Influenza and Vaccine Effectiveness, Research and Surveillance (SHIVERS) study showed that 4 out of 5 people (i.e., 80%) who were infected with the flu did not display flu symptoms, but these infected individuals were still able to spread the flu virus to their family and co-workers without even realising it. A robust immune system will help a person avoid infection even in environments where several other people have the flu, but this avoidance also requires quite a bit of luck. The fact is that even the healthiest and fittest person in your office can develop the flu if they shake hands with the wrong person or get sneezed on by a co-worker. No wellness program can rewrite this fundamental truth of how germs travel.

Fleshing out Your Wellness Plan with Workplace Flu Vaccinations in Albany

If you want to protect your workers against the flu, your best bet is to schedule annual workplace flu vaccinations at your Albany office. While being fit and healthy can certainly help someone recover from the flu, there is still a reasonable level of risk there. An annual flu shot can reduce that risk much more substantially, paving the way for a healthier workforce even through the minefield that is flu season.

Best of all, annual corporate flu vaccinations for your Albany business can fit right into your existing wellness plan. Your employees will appreciate the investment you are making in their health, and you will reap the benefits regarding reduced absences, higher workplace morale, and improved productivity.

At Onsite Health Limited, we have been providing workplace flu vaccinations in Albany every year since 2000. We come to you, making for an incredibly convenient service for your entire workplace team. If you are interested in setting up flu shots for your staff, reach out to us today.

Company wide flu vaccinations from Onsite Health

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.