An annual vaccination against influenza is recommended, not only for employees who belong to a risk group. Will we face a severe influenza epidemic during the 2026-2027 season? No one can predict that with certainty. Therefore, it is important to prepare a vaccination campaign in good time.
What is influenza?
Influenza is often confused with a common cold, but it is a more serious illness. It starts suddenly and is accompanied by high fever, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, a dry cough, and a runny nose. Influenza viruses spread easily from one person to another. Talking closely to someone, coughing, or shaking hands can lead to infection. The workplace is therefore an ideal place for the virus to spread.
Although people can feel very ill during influenza, it usually gets better on its own. The fever and pain generally disappear within three to five days, but it can take several weeks before someone feels fully well again.
However, some people are at greater risk of complications when they catch influenza. These people belong to a "risk group".
Who is at increased risk?
The High Health Council recommends vaccination for:
- People aged 65 years and older
- Patients with an underlying chronic condition (such as lung, heart, liver, kidney, metabolic or neuromuscular disorders, and immune disorders)
- People with a body mass index (BMI) > 40
- Pregnant women
- Residents living in a care centre or hospital
- Healthcare workers
- People living with the above-mentioned risk persons or caring for children under 6 months
The benefits of influenza vaccination
The influenza vaccination offers 70 to 80% protection. Even if vaccinated people catch influenza, they will be less severely ill. The vaccine must be given every year and does not protect against colds or other viruses. The best time for vaccination is mid-October or early November.
Side effects of the influenza vaccine
The only proven side effect is a local reaction at the injection site (redness, pain, swelling in 1 out of 5 people). Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare and treatable. The vaccine cannot cause influenza.
Offering influenza vaccination to your employees, a good idea?
Even for employees who do not belong to the risk groups, vaccination is useful. It can reduce absenteeism and provide financial benefits for the employer. The costs of vaccination are lower than those of absenteeism.
In hospitals and care institutions, vaccinating staff is even more important. It helps reduce the spread of infection in an environment where chronically ill people, elderly persons, and people with weakened immune systems are present.
The factors influencing this benefit are:
- The number of vaccinated employees
- The type and severity of the influenza virus
- The extent of the epidemic
- The effectiveness of the vaccine
According to our experience, between 20 and 40% of employees are willing to be vaccinated.
Supporters of influenza vaccination at company level believe it offers important benefits for both the employee and the employer:
- Voluntary basis: employees choose themselves whether they want to use this benefit.
- Protection: the vaccine is safe and offers protection to the employee.
- Fewer infections: a vaccinated employee infects fewer people, both at work and in private life.
What does Securex do for you?
Good communication can convince employees of the benefits of vaccination. Work together with your external service for prevention and discuss it with your occupational physician.
We have posters available to help you raise your employees' awareness of the importance of vaccination and to explain the What, Who, When, Where and Why of influenza vaccination.
Poster - Avoid letting influenza determine your schedule... get vaccinated! | Securex
If you are registered with Securex's external service, you can place an order between 15 June 2026 and 4 September 2026 via Health & Safety Online. For questions about the campaign, you can email influenzaSEP@securex.be.
