What measures can employers adopt during flu season to keep employees healthy?

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.  The two main strategies recommended to businesses this flu season are

1. host a flu vaccination clinic at the workplace, and
2. promote flu vaccination in the community. 

The following link provides more information on these strategies: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/business/Recommended_Strategies.pdf

Employers can take additional steps by sharing information with employees to encourage flu vaccination. Consider posting a CDC flyer in the workplace (see link above), or copy and place in mailboxes or include in pay statements or newsletters. Also, employers should educate their workers about good hygiene and infection control practices and advise workers to stay home when sick. 

Refer to the CDC’s recommendations for helpful guidance (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/).   In addition, the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has provided workplace safety and health guidance that will help employers protect workers during flu season.   (See also: “What kinds of information should be conveyed to employees to prepare them for the issues that are likely to be of concern to them during flu season?"

Note: As an overall matter, employers should be guided in their relationship with their employees by federal, state, and local employment law, and by the company-specific application of these laws as reflected in employee handbooks, manuals, and contracts (including bargaining agreements).

Not all of the employment laws referenced apply to all employers or all employees, particularly state and local government agencies.  For information on whether a particular employer or employee is covered by a law, please use the links provided for more detailed information.  This information is not intended for federal agencies or federal employees -- they should contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for guidance.

Last Reviewed: 08/29/2011

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