October 23, 1998

Flu vaccine will be available to MGH and Partners employees beginning Nov. 3. This year's program has the theme "It's Just a Little Pinch," helping to remind employees that staying well during flu season is fast and simple.

Despite the flu vaccine's known effectiveness, many employees do not get vaccinated. Myths regarding flu vaccine can be the most significant barrier to increasing vaccination rates among hospital employees. Some of these myths include:

• "The vaccine is not effective." The vaccine has an established effectiveness rate of 80 percent.
• "I developed flu from the vaccine." This is impossible as the vaccine is made with killed virus. Some people coincidentally may develop another viral infection around the time of vaccination.
• "I am not at risk of getting the flu." Everyone is at risk of being infected. Flu spreads easily and is often spread from person to person before people are aware they or others are infectious.
• "I don't have the time." Flu vaccination takes several minutes and is readily available at the following locations:

1. Central Lobby – a drop-in clinic will be held from Nov. 3 to 14, 7 am to 5 pm. Bring employee badge and wear sleeves that roll up.
2. Most patient care units through the peer vaccination program.
3. Some physician clinical rounds.
4. At the Occupational Health Service, Clinics Building 382, by appointment only.

For more information, call Occupational Health at 6-2217.