Workplace Wellness Programs: Focus on Early Detection and Prevention:

Dr. Moore of Nationwide maintains that immunization is the most cost-effective treatment in medicine. For example, vaccinating children against the influenza virus averages a savings (including healthcare costs, parents’ missed work, etc.) of up to $35 per vaccine recipient. And experts predict that estimate is low, because it doesn’t take into account the rapid spread of the flu. 

The American Association of Family Physicians’ Web site, www.aafp.org, offers a recommended adult immunization schedule created by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This schedule, tiered by age and chances of exposure, recommends diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, pneumonococcal, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, measles, mumps and rubella, varicella and meningococcal vaccinations. 

Ideas to incorporate prevention and early detection: 

• Hold a wellness fair and invite companies that provide screening services for such conditions as blood pressure, blood iron, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes.

• Offer educational materials about well-baby care and vaccinations.

• Choose healthcare coverage plans that include wellness check-ups and vaccinations.

• Offer worksite mammograms for employees.

• Sponsor worksite flu shots to coincide with flu season.