COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to every adult.
Convenience is a strong motivator for employees.
By next Monday, April 19, all adults in the United States will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. One of the most efficient and convenient ways to ensure your workforce has easy access to vaccines is to host an on-site vaccination clinic at your workplace. CDC recently issued new guidance to help you determine if on-site vaccination is an option for your business. On-site vaccination can accelerate progress toward herd immunity by lowering the barriers to access for employees and workers. A new employer survey from the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions suggests that over 80% of America’s largest employers plan to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination before the end of the year. A growing body of trusted resources makes that process even easier: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers worksite vaccination guidance from business leaders such as Amazon and Honeywell to help employers safely and effectively promote on-site vaccination.
Small businesses that are unable to host on-site clinics can still take impactful steps to promote vaccination among employees. According to a new McKinsey study, large and small employers believe they can increase employee enthusiasm around vaccination by maximizing conviction, convenience and costlessness to your workforce. Encouraging vaccination has real benefits for your workforce, from reducing absences due to illness to improving morale and accelerating economic reopening. Below are three ways employers of all sizes can take action to educate employees and support our national race to herd immunity—even if your business is too small to support on-site vaccination:
Maximizing Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine in Your Workplace
Determine whether hosting an on-site vaccination clinic could be an option for your business.
CDC guidance encourages companies to consider workplace vaccination if they meet the following criteria:
- A large number of workers on site with predictable schedules
- Ability to enroll within your jurisdiction's immunization program as a vaccine provider
- Ability to appropriately train employees in safety procedures
- A location with enough space to host a pop-up clinic while maintaining social distancing throughout the process.
If you aren’t able to organize an on-site clinic, make it easier for employees to access nearby vaccination centers.
Even if on-site vaccination is impractical for your business, 90% of Americans live within five miles of a vaccine site. Help drive herd immunity by making sure your business is taking at least one of the following steps:
- Providing paid time off for employee vaccination and recovery
- Assisting employees with booking their vaccine appointments
- Covering transportation costs related to vaccination
- Holding an employee town hall to offer updated guidance
Create “Vaccine Champions” in your workplace.
Only about half (49%) of small employers currently offer educational resources to answer employee questions about vaccination. The CDC recommends increasing confidence in vaccination by asking senior staff and respected leaders in the community to share their personal experiences getting vaccinated as part of a broader workplace education program.
Business Leadership in Action
Facebook converts part of Menlo Park HQ into public on-site vaccination clinic.
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg announced the company would be converting the space into a public vaccination center with the help of California public health officials. The company hopes to vaccinate up to 10,000 people over the next several weeks.
MGM Resorts opens on-site vaccination clinic to more workers.
MGM Resorts International is set to expand its existing on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinic, which currently serves MGM Resorts employees and their immediate families. The push comes as Nevada’s Gaming Control Board pushes to increase workplace vaccination in the hospitality industry.
Walt Disney World announces in-park cast member vaccination program.
The Orlando-based theme park launched an on-site vaccination clinic for cast members through its Walt Disney World Health Services team. The park has also been utilizing its parking lot as a public vaccination clinic since January.
Target announces on-site COVID-19 vaccinations for frontline employees at 77 Minnesota locations.
Starting this month, Target Corporation will offer on-site vaccination to more than 19,000 frontline store and distribution center workers in Minnesota. Employees will be able to access the vaccine at 17 designated Target locations.
de Beaumont Foundation President and CEO, Brian Castrucci, joins NPR to discuss vaccine hesitancy among conservatives.
"For us to get back to the way of life that we had before the outbreak, we have to all understand that getting the vaccine is the most important thing that we can do...If you're not going to do it because you're concerned about COVID, do it for a family member. Do it because you really want to go to Disney World or go see a college football game this fall. That's how we're going to get back to those things," Castrucci said.