| By :
Eva Judge
Influenza or the flu virus can truly wreak havoc in the workplace if proactive measures are not taken. To help employees stay healthy and avoid sick leave, many employers have decided to participate in workplace flu vaccination drives. These flu vaccination drives are planned and scheduled by the employer, and employees can receive a flu vaccination without having to miss work. There are several steps involved in organizing a successful flu vaccination drive, and one of these steps is having participants complete a consent form. The consent form is an essential part of this process. Explaining the Flu Vaccination - The consent form provides employees with information regarding both the flu and the flu vaccine. This form gives a brief explanation of how influenza or the flu is spread, its symptoms, and how long these symptoms may last. According to the consent form approximately 5 to 20 percent of the community may be affected by influenza on an annual basis. This information helps participants understand the importance of receiving the flu vaccine not only for their own health but the health of others as well. Participants completing the form will be required to answer nine "yes" or "no" questions. These questions include things such as: do you have any allergies? Do you have any medical conditions? Are you taking any medications? The workplace vaccination company administering the vaccinations will review the information provided on the form and based on the data provided, will determine the participant's fitness to receive the flu shot. The consent form also encourages participants to read sections of the Consumer Medicine Information entitled "Before receiving (influenza vaccine)" and "Side effects." The consent form further advises participants of what they can expect after they receive the vaccination. Flu vaccines often produce side effects, most of which are not serious and require no medical intervention. Side effects of the flu vaccine may include redness, tenderness or swelling at the injection site. Some participants may experience symptoms such as muscle pain and a mild fever. These side effects generally last only a few days. In the event side effects occur, the consent forms encourage all participants to seek medical help. What Signing the Consent Form Means - When a participants signs the consent form to receive the flu vaccine, they are stating that they have read and understood the information contained in the consent form and the Consumer Medicine Information. Participants are confirming that they have had their questions satisfactorily addressed by a doctor or pharmacist prior to receiving the vaccination. Lastly, by signing the consent form participants are agreeing to receive the flu vaccination from the administering company.
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