Philippine enterprises are being urged to strengthen investments in workplace vaccination as typhoon season heightens the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), such as influenza, with vaccination helping protect employees while reducing absenteeism and disruptions to business operations, according to a health economist.
“Employees are the backbone of businesses and a key driver of our economy,” Dr. John Paul Caesar R. delos Trinos, health economist and adjunct faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health said in a press statement released by biopharma giant Sanofi on Wednesday.
“With 53.25 million Filipinos in the labor force, timely vaccination is a cost-effective strategy to protect their well-being while minimizing workplace disruptions,” he added.
The call comes as influenza-like illnesses (ILI) continue to be reported nationwide, with the Department of Health (DoH) recording 72,735 cases from January 4 to August 1. The figure was 23% lower than the 94,399 cases recorded during the same period last year.
However, the number of cases showed an increasing trend in recent weeks, with 4,466 cases reported from July 5 to 18, 1% higher than the 4,442 cases recorded in the preceding two-week period.
Mr. delos Trinos underscored the economic value of prevention, noting that workplace vaccination has benefit-cost ratios of 4.20 and 4.35 based on studies on influenza vaccination.
This means that for every peso invested, employers can generate more than P4 in avoided healthcare costs and productivity gains.
“Flu isn’t just a simple cold, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not all employees carry equal risk. Those with chronic conditions and older adults face greater risks of severe illness and hospitalization. This underscores the importance of building a culture of prevention in the workplace, where protecting employees starts before illness occurs,” Mr. delos Trinos said.
Influenza can spread through coughing and sneezing, with employees potentially exposed in offices, during work commutes and in other enclosed spaces. Frequent weather changes can also create opportunities for exposure and transmission.
A single sick employee can affect workplace operations through sick leave, reduced productivity, staffing gaps and operational delays.
“Preventing these disruptions requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder ecosystem. Employers, healthcare partners, and public health institutions should work together to make prevention more accessible,” Mr. delos Trinos said.
He said employers, human resources teams and company physicians can help employees make informed vaccination choices by providing timely information and clear guidance.
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) can also expand access by incorporating vaccination into existing health programs and benefits, while government agencies and policymakers can strengthen support for workplace vaccination through updated policies and guidelines.
The health economist also said investing in workplace vaccination means moving beyond reactive care and building a culture of prevention that helps workplaces prepare for health risks before they arise. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
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