First, this is too early to offering flu shots medically. I wonder if my comments even sink in. They just want to do it. If you are offering flu shots to your employees, the objective must be to decrease the likelihood of catching the flu. Yes, giving shots early is better than not getting at all. I would however advise them that they should offer employee flu shots in closer proximity to the flu virus circulating. In the past few years that has been well into the new year. It takes 2 to 4 for antibodies to develop from the flu shot. Thus the peak protection generally occurs about 1-2 months after the flu shot is administered. So why then would you give a flu shot any time in September if they will have peak protection in October and November? If you were going to run a marathon and have a personal best time wouldn't you try to be in peak condition in the few weeks leading up to the race rather than months earlier.
Despite my advice, these companies shop around for a provider that will agree to administer flu shots that early. Some providers decide that a medically appropriate recommendation falls to the wayside if the dollars are doing the talking.
Alan Kohll
Vaccination Services of America
www.vsamerica.com
Health Fairs of America (tm)
www.healthfairsamerica.com
888-434-4358 x 102
info@vsamerica.com
