The Midcounties Co-operative pharmacy helps businesses fight flu

Pharmacists from The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy will visit workplaces to enable staff to get vaccinated against the winter bug, making it more convenient.

According to statistics from the Confederation of British Industry, unplanned absence from work amounted to a loss of £17 billion in 2011 - the greatest single cause of lost productivity. Almost 95% of these sick days were taken for minor illnesses such as colds and flu*.

This vaccination offers combined protection against various strains of seasonal influenza viruses expected in the coming months as well as swine flu (H1N1) and costs £14 per employee for a simple in-work service where a pharmacist will visit a business’s office to potentially protect an entire workforce.

Alternatively, workers can visit their local Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy for the jab at a cost of £10, which some companies may pay on their staff's behalf.

Pradeep Prabhu, Pharmacy Support Services Manager, said: "Companies are reliant on their workforce so it's important they consider the impact illness can have on their business. For example, for 50 employees to be vaccinated in store at a Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy, it would cost £500, whereas the average cost of absence per employee can add up to £760*.

"We are trying to make it as quick and easy as possible for workers and their employers to combat flu this winter, which our in-business service is ideal for as it causes minimal disruption to the working day and offers a one-on-one, high quality service. The chances of contracting flu can easily be reduced by a simple jab as well as the risk of the virus being passed around, which is common in a working environment.

"As a co-operative business, we see this as an extension of the services we offer to the communities we're rooted in."

To arrange for a pharmacist to visit your business or speak to a member of The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy team, call 01926 516087.