A total of 55,000 employee flu vaccinations – that’s the goal Bupa has set for its 2020 National Flu Vaccination Programme, the first month of which has already seen more than 20,000 vaccinations delivered across 350 corporate locations.

The health insurer said businesses which are permitted to operate during the coronavirus pandemic can apply for the programme and have a Bupa Wellness immunisation nurse visit their workplace to deliver the vaccinations to participating employees. 

“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,” said Shannon Orbons, Wellness head at Bupa. “Flu vaccinations certainly fall in the same bucket.

“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.”

Orbons added that if Australians continue to receive their vaccinations and remain extra-vigilant when it comes to hand hygiene and social distancing, influenza cases may also remain low given that the transmission is similar to that of the coronavirus.