Flu
programs – are probably the most widely used of all corporate
immunization projects. They are safe and effecti and Passport Health
makes the program easy. What's more, the programs are highly cost-effective.
Influenza is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease, often
occurring in epidemic proportions.
Influenza can cause: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle
aches, etc. People of any age can get influenza. Most people are ill
with influenza for only a few days, but some may need to be hospitalized.
Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year. Anyone who wants to
reduce his or her chance of catching influenza should get vaccinated.
Optimum immunization in the U.S. is from mid September through early
January. Influenza is prevalent in tropical areas throughout the year
therefore, immunization should be updated prior to tropical or Southern
Hemisphere travel.
A flu immunization program can increase company productivity, reduce
absenteeism and medical costs and show employees that the company cares
about their health.
Passport Health Miami takes care of paperwork including consents, record
keeping and disposal of medical waste. Employers have little more to
do than provide a room. Our office staff will fax all details and/or
brochures well in advance of your scheduled on site clinic. Our nurses
are specially trained in immunizations so the clinic goes very smoothly,
and we can vaccinate 60 or more employees in an hour. Thus time lost
from work is minimal.
Pneumonia programs – are usually coupled with
an on-site flu program. People over 50, anyone with chronic diseases
like asthma, diabetes, etc. and smokers should consider the vaccine.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae
and is more prevalent in winter and early spring. Transmission occurs
from person-to-person via droplets and by direct contact.
Hepatitis B programs – protect workers from the
hepatitis disease transmitted through blood and body fluids. Many workers
need the vaccine, as it is required by OSHA for anyone who might come
in contact with blood or body fluids. Allied health professionals, laboratory
workers, police and correctional staff may be required to have a record
of vaccination prior to employment. Many hospital, nursing home and
assisted living facilities require employees be vaccinated. Students
enrolled in allied health programs also need to be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is spread by direct or indirect contact with infected blood
and body fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids. Infection is spread
through sexual contact or through contaminated medical or dental equipment.
It can spread through contact with infected blood from cuts and nosebleeds
and during piercing, tattooing, haircuts and manicures. Sharing personal
care items such as toothbrushes or razors may also place a person at
risk.
Each year it is estimated that:
» 80,000 people, mostly young adults, get infected
with HBV
» More than 11,000 people have to stay in the
hospital because of hepatitis B
» 4,000 to 5,000 people die from chronic hepatitis
Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B. it is the first anti-cancer
vaccine because it can prevent a form of liver cancer.
Hepatitis A programs – People living in, or relocating
to, areas of high endemicity, employees of child day care centers, anyone
with chronic liver disease, primate animals handlers, drug users, food
handlers, anyone engaging in high-risk sexual activity or anyone who
is traveling to endemic areas should consider vaccination.
Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease of the liver caused by the
hepatitis A virus. It can lead to varying degrees of illness, hospitalization,
or even death. Each year, up to 180,000 Americans contract hepatitis
A. The source of infection is unknown in approximately half of all cases.
TB Screening programs – OSHA may also require
an up to date TB test (PPD) for employees who are in close contact with
people. The test is often administered with a Hepatitis B program and
requires a reading in 48-72 hours by a nurse or physician. A positive
test does not mean that you have tuberculosis. However, a follow up
chest x-ray may be indicated.
Meningitis programs – The
American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends that students
entering college be vaccinated for meningitis. Some states now require
vaccination. The vaccine should also be made available for U.S. military
recruits, anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been
removed, anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an
immune system disorder) and some laboratory workers who are routinely
exposed to the meningococcal bacteria.
Tetanus/Diphtheria programs – Everyone should
have had the series as a child and a booster dose every ten years unless
traveling or injured. Tetanus/diphtheria boosters are often offered
during other immunization clinics.
Tetanus and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a
germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Diphtheria spreads
when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.
Toxins can result in serious damage to the heart, nervous system and
kidneys. Immunization works by producing antibodies against this toxin,
thereby protecting the recipients from these complications.
