Most HR teams instinctively know that workplace flu clinics “pay for themselves.” The harder part is explaining the math to a CFO. This post lays out a simple framework that should hold up in a budget meeting.
The cost side
A typical workplace flu program costs in the range of $25–$45 per dose depending on volume, location, after-hours requirements, and whether the provider runs consent and reporting end-to-end. Larger clinics tend to be cheaper per dose.
The savings side
The standard back-of-envelope inputs are:
- Average lost workdays per influenza-positive case: 3–5 days.
- Average influenza incidence in unvaccinated adults: roughly 10–20% per season.
- Vaccine effectiveness against medically attended influenza in working-age adults: 40–60% in a well-matched season.
- Average fully-loaded daily employee cost (salary + on-costs): often $300–$700 for a typical office role.
A worked example
Take a workforce of 100 people, an unvaccinated season expects ~15 cases × 4 days × $400 ≈ $24,000 of lost productivity. Vaccinating reduces case counts by roughly 50%, saving ~$12,000. A clinic for 100 people at $35/dose costs $3,500. Net saving in this scenario: ~$8,500, plus the soft benefits (less spread to family, less anxiety, better presenteeism).
The intangibles
Productivity isn’t the whole story. Workforces with on-site clinics report higher engagement around health and wellbeing programs generally, an easier way to start that conversation than a poster in the kitchen.
For setup details, see our workplace clinic planning guide.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
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