The Office of Personnel Management recently sent a memo with information they want federal agencies to distribute to their employees to encourage getting flu shots to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
The memo notes that most federal employees can get flu shots for little to no cost under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
A copy of the key information sent to agencies is included below.
Flu season is around the corner. The flu vaccine is your best shot at preventing influenza. Here are five important reasons you should get a flu vaccine:
- Flu is dangerous. The flu is different from the everyday cold. It can last 2 weeks or more and cause serious complications such as pneumonia. Every year, flu affects millions of people. It causes between 140,000 – 710,000 hospitalizations, 12,000 – 56,000 deaths, and costs billions to the economy. Although proper etiquette for coughs and sneezes, frequent hand-washing, and other good health behaviors can help, experts agree a flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu.
- It’s very safe. Millions of flu vaccines have been given safely for more than 50 years. Your body’s natural response to vaccination may result in common things like a little redness at the injection site or a slight fever, but these are usually mild and pass quickly.
- Getting a flu vaccine can prevent flu or may make illness milder. Those who get the flu vaccine are less likely to get the flu. But, if you do get sick, being vaccinated may make your illness milder.
- Flu vaccine is available through health insurance and most workplaces. Federal employees and their family members can receive the flu vaccine through their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan. Most FEHB plans cover flu shots at pharmacies and retail stores, in addition to doctor’s offices and clinics, with no co-pays when in-network. Many federal agencies also offer flu shots onsite at no or low cost. Ask your agency to see if this option is available to you or use the vaccine finder to see what is available in