Putting together a business case for something like a vaccination program can be a daunting process, the hardest part is usually working out where to start. A good business case achieves its purpose on the first page, the initial introduction and summary of benefits is where executives are looking so make it count.
Below is a short introduction for an influenza vaccination program I have written up, hopefully this can give you a start and some motivation. If you would like details of the references I have listed feel free to send me an email and I will be happy to forward on a copy.
Influenza is a serious illness that affects up to 20 per cent of Australian’s each year (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008). ‘The Flu’ as it is commonly known is not just confined to unhealthy people as often believed. The Flu affects the young and old, the fit and healthy, whilst reducing an organisations productivity and increasing absenteeism.
Workplace immunisation against influenza has been demonstrated to produce real cost savings; a net cost saving of between $20.93 and $58.36 per vaccinated employee was achieved during a study to gauge the costs and benefits of a workplace vaccination program at an Australian steelworks (Cohen P. et al, 2003)
In the 2011 calendar year ___ hours were lost at $_____ due to absenteeism caused by influenza. No health promotion programs were run during this period. It has been assumed in the proposed program that ___ of ___ lost hours may have been avoidable through an influenza vaccination program (#Note take a percentage to work out a number here, remember herd immunity will help reduce the impact of influenza significantly). The cost of losing ___ hours totals $____ in replacement wages alone, in comparison to $____ needed to implement a vaccination program. It is good business to implement a program for the 2012 calendar year and can result in a potential save of $____ in year one.
Immunity for employees is the obvious immediate benefit, however implementing a health promotion program can have added benefits, it is know that employers who implement health promotion programs show that they care about not just the safety of their workers but their health and wellbeing as well. Studies have shown that an unhealthy worker can take up to nine times more sick leave than their healthiest colleagues (Medibank Private, 2005), effective health promotion can help to reduce overall absenteeism, which in overall Australia costs the economy of between $7 billion (Wooden, 1993)and $18 billion per year (Hallis Recruitment, 2007)
An influenza health program does not just help reduce the likelihood of influenza outbreaks in the office but also improves the morale and general ‘health’ of the office, better health increases workforce participation for all age groups (C & K, 2006).
The Department of Health and Ageing recommends flu vaccines to be administered during the Autumn months (Department of Health & Ageing, 2011). In order for the program to be effective action is required to be taken immediately.
Good luck on your program, if you need any help on a cost effective analysis, or a vaccination program layout just let me know and I might be able to help you with some examples.
No Responses