By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Flu season is still a few months away, but the McLean County Health Department is taking a proactive step to stop the flu bug from biting.
The health department is marketing its on-site flu clinics to businesses this fall. The department can now bill private insurance for the flu shots through the Affordable Care Act so it’s willing to take to flu vaccines to as many employers as it can.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Public Health Communications Specialist Lisa Slater said. “Employers are protecting their bottom line, because they are increasing the chances they are going to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.”
Slater said vaccinating groups of people in the workplace creates herd immunity, which lessens the chance the virus can spread through the community.
“The more people we are able to protect in the community, the better able we are to protect those high-risk folks that would have very serious, possible life-threatening complications if they were to contract influenza,” Slater said.
The health department did a soft launch of the program last year, taking its clinics to six local schools districts and three small businesses.
“Now we are really expanding what we are doing for the business side too.”
An estimated 35 businesses have scheduled flu clinics in McLean County in September and October.
Businesses wanting more information can call Slater at (309) 888-5489.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
