WORK LINK PREPARES FOR ANNUAL ON-SITE FLU CLINICS

TUPELO, Miss. – Area employers will vouch that there’s safety in numbers, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of flu.

That’s why area employees will be lining up and rolling up their sleeves to get flu shots through the annual on-site flu shot clinics provided by Work Link, North Mississippi Medical Center’s occupational medicine program.

Charlotte West, Work Link manager, said the on-site clinics have been very well received since its implementation seven years ago. “We’ve been providing flu shots each year to the same companies, and the number of participating companies grows steadily each year. These clinics are so well received because the employers have the flexibility to schedule the shots at a time and location that is convenient for them.”

This year’s series of clinics will begin Oct. 7, with a health fair for a local industry. To be eligible to participate in the clinics, a company must have 20 or more employees, and a designated contact to assist with the flu shot clinic. Work Link bills each company $15 per shot.

“Employers realize that by encouraging employees to receive the flu vaccine, they may reduce employee absenteeism, thereby maintaining production schedules and saving their company money,” West said.

The clinics also serve as a training resource for future nurses. As part of their clinical skills training and under the supervision of Work’s Link’s occupational health nurse, nursing students from Itawamba Community College draw the shots that will be administered. Senior nursing students and clinical instructors from Mississippi University for Women’s bachelor of science nursing program will assist with administering the vaccinations in the workplace.

Work Link even offers an alternative to employees who aren’t able to participate in their company’s scheduled clinic. They can go to the nearest North Mississippi Medical Clinics location, where flu shots will be available in late October for $15.

“Despite early media reports that some flu vaccinations are tainted, companies utilizing flu shots administered by Work Link and North Mississippi Medical Clinics don’t have to worry because we don’t use that company for its flu vaccine,” West said.

For more information on Work Link’s on-site flu clinics and other services available, call (662) 377-4242 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

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