When flu season rolls around, it can hit workplaces hard—sick days pile up, productivity dips, and teams feel the strain. That’s why more employers are turning to on-site flu clinics to help protect their employees and keep things running smoothly.
At Spectrum Health, we’ve delivered over 100 workplace flu clinics across Ireland—from warehouses and logistics hubs to office towers and hybrid teams. Along the way, we’ve picked up a lot of practical insights about what makes a staff flu clinic truly successful.
Here’s what we’ve learned—and how your business can get it right.
1. Start Early, Plan Properly
The best flu clinics are the ones that don’t feel rushed. Ideally, you should start planning 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your preferred date. That gives everyone—from your HR team to your employees—time to prepare. Plus, with employees working remotely or on a hybrid basis, it allows them to plan their office day when the flu clinic is on-site.
Choosing a date earlier in the flu season (late September to early November) gives your staff the best chance of staying protected before flu activity peaks.
2. Support from Leadership Makes a Big Difference
When senior managers lead by example and get involved in the flu clinic, uptake tends to rise. It sends a clear message: this is something the company genuinely values.
We’ve seen companies where the site manager is first in line for the jab, and participation shoots up as a result. A little visibility goes a long way.
3. Make It Easy for People to Say Yes
Convenience is everything. If it’s hard for people to get to the clinic—or if it’s scheduled at a hectic time—many simply won’t make the effort.
The best locations tend to be break rooms, meeting spaces, or anywhere staff naturally pass through during the day. If you have shift workers or part-time teams, offering flexible hours or split-day clinics can make a huge difference.
One of our clients with round-the-clock operations scheduled two clinics: one early morning, one mid-afternoon. That simple adjustment helped them reach over 70% of their workforce.
4. Good Communication Drives Uptake
It’s not enough to send one email and hope people show up. A strong communication plan is key to getting good numbers.
Use a mix of channels: posters in common areas, email reminders, and announcements at team meetings. Be clear about:
- When and where the clinic is happening
- Who can take part (employees only, or spouses/contractors too?)
- What people need to bring
Tackling common myths or misconceptions around flu vaccines can also help—especially if you’ve got a workforce that’s a bit hesitant.
5. Match the Clinic to Your Company Culture
Every workplace is different. Some like a relaxed, wellness-themed atmosphere with music and snacks. Others prefer a more efficient, clinical approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about finding what suits your environment.
We’ve worked with companies who offered giveaways, branded “I got my flu shot” stickers, or even entered participants into a raffle for an extra day off. It doesn’t have to be flashy—just something that shows you’re making an effort.
6. Choose a Partner Who Knows Workplaces
Running a smooth clinic takes more than just turning up with vaccines. You want a provider who’s reliable, experienced, and able to adapt to different work environments.
At Spectrum Health, we’ve been delivering workplace vaccination services for over a decade. Our clinical team is professional, efficient, and great at helping staff feel at ease—whether it’s their first jab or their tenth.
You can learn more about our workplace vaccination services here.
7. There’s Real ROI in a Simple Flu Jab
It’s easy to overlook, however the flu can have a serious impact on your business. Sick leave, lost productivity, cover costs—it all adds up.
Flu clinics are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to protect your workforce and reduce the ripple effects of seasonal illness.
8. Why Stop at Flu? We Offer a Range of Workplace Health Services
While the flu vaccine is the most common workplace option, it’s not the only one.
At Spectrum Health, we also offer on-site physiotherapy, dietetics, and health checks.
You can learn more about our range of workplace health services by visiting our website.
Conclusion
Running a workplace flu clinic isn’t just a health initiative—it’s a message. It tells your staff that their wellbeing matters, and that you’re willing to invest in keeping them safe and supported.
At Spectrum Health, we make it easy to plan and deliver a clinic that works for your team—no matter your size, location, or working pattern.
If you’re ready to bring flu protection to your workplace this season, let’s talk.
Visit spectrumhealth.ie/workplace-health-services#Vaccination to learn more!
