Dell holds Flu Vaccination Program
By Nosmo King

In line with Dell Philippines continuous efforts to provide a healthy working environment for its employees, it has just concluded a Flu vaccine program. Thee program started on June 17 and was extended till June 23, 2008 to cover as many employees as practical.  The Flu vaccine aims to provide Dell employees the resistance to flu (influenza) which is common during the rainy season in the Philippines.

The rainy season normally starts from June and goes all the way until December.  The program was perfectly timed since the capital city Manila was hit by a super typhoon Frank just this week.  The program is an annual event which started last year. This is open to both the Dell sites at Pasay and Quezon City. The program is voluntary for those who are willing to take the sting of a needle.

Fewer people participated in the program as compared to last year. The side effects of the vaccine from last year made Agents think twice. Some agents who participated last year experienced soreness and pain in the area where the vaccine was administered. Ironically, some of them also had flu the next day after the vaccine. This is the reason why the in-house doctor gave participants 2 vitamin tablets immediately after the shot and advised Agents to take the vaccine before their days-off, in case they develop the side effects.

The program is also open to the immediate families of all Dell employees. Though it is free for employees, the immediate family can get it for only 400 php (Philippine peso). Flu vaccination costs 1600 php outside and thus provides a 75 percent savings for Dell family members.

Dell expects less absenteeism due to flu and flu related sickness. The vaccine is expected to provide immunity and resistance for at least 6 months to a year.