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Administration

How do I organise my seasonal flu vaccine(s)? Hide

To make an appointment/enquiry for a nurse to go on-site to your company call the flu team on 0845 6090 115* or email fluvac@bupa.com.

How much does the vaccination programme cost? Hide

The cost varies depending on the number of employees you wish to vaccinate and where the vaccination programme is held.

Can employers and employees share the cost of the seasonal flu vaccines? Hide

Many large employers set up on-site vaccinations within their own office space. These clinics are usually free of charge to their staff. Smaller companies often arrange for their staff to attend local Bupa Centres and partner pharmacies. The costs can be picked up by the employee or invoiced directly to the company.

What happens if the appointment needs to change? Hide

For individual appointments at a Bupa Centre you would need to give 24 hours' notice for cancellations. For on-site bookings we need cancellations more than eight weeks prior to appointment otherwise charges will be incurred.

What happens if an employee doesn't turn up for their appointment? Hide

You will still be charged for the vaccine as they cannot be returned once they have been removed from refrigeration.

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Practical questions about our facilities and booking arrangements

How do I book an appointment and where will it be held? Hide

Your company will contact you with details of where the vaccination programme is taking place and how to book an appointment.

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Specific questions about the flu vaccination and what happens on the day

What happens if an employee has an allergic reaction? Hide

Our nurses are fully trained to deal with allergic reactions to the vaccine. They will have a kit with all the necessary emergency equipment to deal with such a situation.

How soon does the vaccination work? Hide

The vaccine takes from seven to 10 days to start working.

What's involved in carrying out the seasonal flu vaccine? Hide

The nurse will check the employee is fit to progress. Each employee signs the multiple consent form or the individual consent form. The vaccination is administered to the upper arm and after it has been administered, the employee sits for a while before returning to work.

Will the experience be painful? Hide

No. The vaccination may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.

Statement of confidentiality Hide

Each person will sign a consent form, which is private and confidential. Find out more about data protection.

What preparation is needed before the appointment? Hide

Please read the contra-indication leaflet which will be available in the waiting area. If you are pregnant and wish to have the vaccine, please ensure you have discussed this with your GP or midwife.

What questions will need to be answered? Hide

• Do they have a history of high temperature or general cold/flu-like symptoms within the past 24 hours?
  
• Do they have a history of immunosuppressive disorders/autoimmune illness/HIV?
  
• Are they allergic to any food or medication, specifically gentamycin or formaldehyde?
  
• Have they had a reaction to medication or a vaccination in the past?
  
• Have they received any live vaccinations in the past three weeks, ie yellow fever, polio or rubella?
  
• Are they taking any regular medication, specifically immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs?
  
• Are they pregnant, or do they think they may be pregnant?
  
• Are they allergic to eggs?
  
• Are they allergic to products that contain chicken?

When are they advised not to receive the vaccine? Hide

Your employee will be advised not to have the vaccine if they:

• are allergic to eggs
• are allergic to products that contain chicken
• have had a previous serious reaction to an influenza vaccination

Those with respiratory illness such as asthma, diabetes, heart and kidney problems run the risk of complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

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General questions about flu vaccinations

Why do I need a seasonal flu vaccine? Hide

Seasonal flu is a major cause of illness, absenteeism and use of healthcare services among working adults. The Consumer Health Information Centre has reported that more than 150 million working days are lost each year because of flu-related illnesses at a cost of £6.75 billion. For most sufferers, flu symptoms will last for about a week, but a feeling of weakness can persist for some time, reducing individual productivity and increasing workload and stress. Flu is a significant cause of more serious illness and even deaths, and it is not only the elderly who are at risk. Those with respiratory illness such as asthma or diabetes, heart or kidney problems run the risk of complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Protecting ourselves from influenza also helps reduce the risk for those who are more vulnerable.

How often should I have a seasonal flu vaccination? Hide

The seasonal flu vaccination gives protection against specific strains during one flu season. The flu vaccination is usually given annually.

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