Bupa aims to deliver 55,000 corporate flu vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic

In the first month of Bupa’s 2020 National Flu Vaccination Program, a team of Bupa Wellness Immunisation Nurses have already delivered more than 20,000 employee flu vaccinations across 350 corporate locations around Australia with plans to deliver a total of 55,000 over the coming months.

Those businesses which are permitted to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for the Bupa National Flu Vaccination Program and have a Bupa Wellness Immunisation Nurse visit their workplace to deliver vaccinations to employees who’d like to receive them.

Bupa’s Head of Wellness, Shannon Orbons said providing corporate clients and their employees with flu vaccination at their workplace is more important than ever as Australia works to decrease the stress on the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the flu vaccination won’t protect against COVID-19, the reason we’re all adopting social distancing, washing our hands and staying at home is to lessen the impact the virus will have on our health and the hospital system. Flu vaccinations certainly fall in the same bucket,” Mr Orbons said.

“Vaccinations delivered ahead of the traditional influenza season play a major role in protecting Australians against a double hit of influenza and COVID-19, which can exacerbate the symptoms of both illnesses to dangerous levels.

“This is particularly relevant for more vulnerable groups such as the elderly. That’s why we’ve delivered vaccinations to a range of aged care homes along with our own aged care staff. To help protect our residents, in line with new government regulations for the aged care sector, from Friday 1 May, anyone who has not had their flu vaccination will not be allowed to enter Bupa’s aged care homes,” Mr Orbons said.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has said that people can leave their homes to attend a flu vaccine appointment^[1] during the COVID-19 Level 3 restrictions. The Department of Health has also advised that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza every year to help protect themselves and others in the community.

“While some businesses have been hesitant to book onsite appointments during this time, the majority of our customers understand the benefits and have been proactive in wanting to have vaccinations available for employees,” Mr Orbons said.

“If Australians continue to receive their vaccinations and remain extra vigilant with hand hygiene and social distancing, we may also see cases of influenza remain low, given the transmission is similar to COVID-19. We are encouraging all businesses that are still permitted to operate during Level 3 restrictions and individuals to immunise their staff and family members in April and May to get the most protection during peak flu season,” he said.

For more information on Bupa Corporate Wellness solutions visit here.

^[1] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/flu-vaccination-more-important-than-ever-during-the-month-of-april