Why Preparing Your Employees for Flu Season is More Important Than Ever

Fall 2021 may be a bizarre time of year as schools reopen and we move towards “normal”.

Many changes are expected for various institutions, but one thing remains constant – influenza (flu) season is upon us. As you know, catching the seasonal flu could be devastating for the overall health of your employees and their families.

We expect a heightened awareness of any sign of illness in the near future. That’s why the construction industry in BC has come together to spread awareness of the importance of vaccination for the seasonal flu.

What is the flu?

The flu, caused by the influenza virus, manifests as an infection of the upper airway. It spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or having face-to-face contact. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands. 

Is the flu really that serious?

Many people have accepted the flu as a harmless illness. But it can be deadly, causing serious illness and leading to hospitalization and even death (ImmunizeBC, 2020). A person who catches the flu is also at risk of other infections, including viral or bacterial pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. That’s not something you want to worry about or put your team at risk of, especially during a pandemic. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions are also at high risk of serious illness from influenza (ImmunizeBC, 2021).

How can you help your team prepare for flu season?

We have arranged flu clinics with each of the BCCA regional construction associations (NRCA, VRCA, VICA, SICA) this fall. Take a few minutes from your day and arrange for your employees and their families to get their flu shots this October or November. Dates and times are listed below and you can book your spot at https://bcca.calendarspots.com/.

Can children receive the vaccine at the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust flu shot clinics?

Almost everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated for the flu every year. However, children under the age of 5 will not be able to participate in the BCCA EBT clinics: “BC certified injection pharmacists have the authority to administer immunizations for 5 years of age and older. For under 19, our pharmacists would ensure the minor understands the need for treatment, what treatment involves, risks/benefits of treatment as well as ensure treatment is in the best interest of minor as per Infants Act.” To arrange a flu shot for your children under 5 years of age, contact your primary physician. 

If you will bring in children 5 years of age or older for their vaccine, please note that they will require a second dose of the vaccine as a follow-up.

Interested in organizing your own flu shot clinics? Learn how you can start!

Dates & Locations

 

Northern Regional Construction Association (Prince George)

Location: 3851 – 18th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2N 1B1

Date: November 3, 2021 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Contact: Leisa Schaap | 250-596-9900 | LeisaSchaap@nrca.ca

 

Southern Interior Construction Association (Kamloops & Kelowna)

Location: #101-1410 Pearson Place, Kamloops, BC V1S 1J9 

Date: November 1, 2021 – 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

 

Location: #104-151 Commercial Drive, Kelowna BC

Date: November 4, 2021 – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Contact: Candace Wilshaw | 250-491-7330 | CandaceW@sicabc.ca

 

Vancouver Island Construction Association (Victoria & Nanaimo)

Location:#5-1850 Northfield Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3B3

 

Vancouver Regional Construction Association (Vancouver)

Location: 3636 E 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 1M3

Date: November 4, 2021 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Contact: Lina Ma | 604-293-6583 | Lina@vrca.ca

 

BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (Burnaby)

Location:#120-4401 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6G9

Date: November 3, 2021 – 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Contact: Hardeep Sidhu | 604-296-3258 | Marketing@bccabenefits.ca