October 26, 2023- In the total rewards space, employers are already busy preparing for open enrollment, navigating compliance updates and strategizing their 2024 pay increase plans.
Flu shots, COVID-19 boosters and even the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine are all on the agenda. But this year presents a few unique challenges, including the fact that some employees are reluctant about receiving more vaccines after the mandates that were common in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, employers are proceeding with a little more caution.
Health and industry experts said employers benefit from getting many of their employees vaccinated in the form of healthier workers who will ultimately take fewer sick days, not contribute to higher health care costs and be less likely to spread disease to others in the organization. Vaccines can reduce transmission, as well as the seriousness of viruses like COVID-19, and keep workers out of the hospital, said Mary Kay O’Neill, M.D., senior health consultant at MercerWELL.
Onsite flu or COVID-19 shot clinics—or a combination of both—are being offered by some employers, especially larger organizations with the resources to provide them. Such clinics alleviate the stress of employees having to find available shots, and make it simple for them to get vaccinated during work hours.