Health Care for Health Care Workers

Earlier this year, a report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality noted that home health agencies can play a critical role in responding to a potential flu pandemic. The article even points out the role that workers have in addressing such a crisis and how challenges with recruitment and retention can impact an agency’s ability to respond.

What strikes me about this article is that it takes for granted that workers have received a flu vaccine and are protected themselves. One would think considering that workers provide care and support to people who may have low immune systems, getting a flu shot would be a common practice among direct-care workers. But, I wonder if that is really the case.

Given the high numbers of uninsured direct-care workers, where and how are workers getting flu vaccines? Public health departments, community clinics, and other organizations run “flu-shot clinics” throughout flu season where people can get flu shots for $25-$30. I have heard of some long-term care employers offering discounted flu shots for their staff. But, this is a patchwork way of handling something as critical as a flu vaccine and underscores the importance of affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage for workers.

We would like to hear from you – whether you are an employer or a worker – about how you are handling flu vaccines this season. Comment below or send me an email.

If you are looking for a place to get a flu vaccine, contact your local health department and they should be able to tell you where they are available in your area.

Tameshia Bridges
Michigan Senior Workforce Advocate
PHI/HCHCW
tbridges@phinational.org