As the cooler days of fall set in, it's a great time to think about health and wellness at work. Vaccination season is here, and that means you have an opportunity to help your team stay healthy and protected from common illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
Why vaccinations matter
Respiratory viruses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, spread easily through droplets from coughs or sneezes and can also linger on surfaces. As people spend more time indoors together during the fall and winter, the risk of transmission goes up. This dynamic can be particularly tough for those aged 65 and older, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system.
Vaccinations are a key factor in preventing seasonal illness, so it’s important for your employees to check with their healthcare providers to find out which shots they recommend given an individual’s health status, age, and more. Pharmacists and doctors can offer guidance on risk factors, and can also advise if early diagnostic testing is necessary in case someone does get sick.
Proactive vaccination
To encourage a preventive mindset, remind everyone at work that they can spread viruses before they show symptoms, making a proactive approach to vaccinations even more valuable. Many vaccinations are easily accessible at local pharmacies, often without needing an appointment. Healthcare providers can also help health plan members schedule multiple vaccinations at once, making it easier for them to stay up-to-date.
For more detailed information, you can check out the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule, which offers useful resources and printable pieces for sharing with your team.
Updated vaccination recommendations for 2024
In June 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released new recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations. These updates are valuable for any employer looking to support workforce health.
RSV vaccine recommendations
The new recommendations for RSV vaccines include:
- Abrysvo® and Arexvy: Both are viral vaccines for individuals aged 60 and over, with Abrysvo® also recommended for pregnant individuals between 32 to 36 weeks to protect infants from birth to six months.
- mRESVIA®: An mRNA vaccine for individuals aged 60 and older.
The ACIP now advises a single dose of an RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 60 to 74 with higher risk due to certain health conditions. These RSV vaccines are intended as a one-time lifetime dose.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
The latest guidance for COVID-19 vaccines is focused on new strains from the Omicron variant. The vaccines include:
- COMIRNATY® (Pfizer-BioNTech): An mRNA vaccine for individuals aged 12 and over, available under emergency use for children from 6 months to 11 years.
- SPIKEVAX® (Moderna): Another mRNA vaccine indicated for those aged 12 and over.
- Nuvaxovid (Novavax): A protein subunit vaccine also for active immunization.
For the 2024-2025 season, these COVID-19 vaccines are monovalent and specifically target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the JN.1 strain, based on its growing prevalence.
Promoting healthy habits at work
Encouraging a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping everyone feeling their best:
- Frequent handwashing: Regularly washing hands with soap and water can prevent the spread of germs.
- Covering coughs and sneezes: Encourage everyone to use their elbow or a tissue instead of their hands.
- Staying home when sick: Emphasize the importance of staying home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to others.
As we head into the cold and flu season, sharing information about vaccinations and workplace hygiene helps you create a safer, more productive environment.
For more detailed vaccination recommendations, visit ACIP Recommendations | ACIP | CDC.
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