November 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Ideas for Employers

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

Resources

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

Updated Tools for Workers
Looking for colorful, engaging work-related graphics? Try ours. Download and add them to your website or share on social media!

Many of our tools have now been updated!

Share on Social Media
Missing work affects everyone. Get your flu and COVID-19 shots to stay healthy. Check with your doctor or vaccines.gov for a location near you. #DontWaitVaccinate

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu. You can’t afford to get sick. #NoTimeForFlu #FluShot #DontWaitVaccinate

If you haven’t gotten flu and COVID-19 shots yet, it’s not too late! Vaccines for workers will help protect ourselves and family, friends, and coworkers. #DontWaitVaccinate #GetYourCovidShot

Missed an issue of Occ Health Watch?

View past issues of Occupational Health Watch, including our October issue on Indoor air at work and COVID 19.

The Occupational Health Branch

OHB improves California worker health and safety through prevention activities. We gather information on job hazards, test new approaches to prevent worker injury and illness, and help make changes at the workplace. Email OHW@cdph.ca.gov with feedback about this update or change of address.

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