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Frequently Asked Questions

Will Boeing be offering flu shots this fall?

Boeing’s onsite flu shot program will begin October 17 - December 9 at many Boeing locations around the U.S. The 2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

Why is the flu shot program starting in October this year?

Corporate flu shot programs start in October so the targeted population can be vaccinated first.

How much will it cost?

The flu program is FREE to active Boeing employees--all you need to do is show your badge!

For contractors and other non-Boeing personnel, the cost is $21.00 payable by check only to Maxim Health Systems.

Shots will be given to adults, 18 years of age and older. If you need a receipt for insurance reimbursement, you can use your copy of the flu shot consent form as a receipt.

**Please note that eligibility for non-Boeing personnel (i.e. spouses, dependents over 18, and retirees) is determined by the site. Please contact your site flu shot coordinator for details.

Where and when will the flu shots be offered?

Please check the 2011 flu shot schedule.

Why are the shots not available in my building?

The locations for the Boeing Flu Shot Program are based on both population and past participation in the program. Unfortunately, flu shot nurses cannot come to each and every building. Due to the changes and relocation of individuals, the flu shot program is always looking into the "best" locations to try and serve as many individuals as possible. Please contact your local flu shot coordinator to offer any feedback.

Are flu shots available for non-U.S. Boeing employees?

If you work outside the United States:
Due to various logistical factors including supplier identification, management and seasonal differences in flu shot administration schedules, the Flu Shot program is being offered only within the United States. Boeing employees at locations outside the United States should check with their:

• Health care providers about appropriate vaccinations
• Health plan about available coverage
• Human Resources representative about options at their site. Costs for flu shots not covered by health plans may be reimbursable.

Does Boeing offer a pneumonia shot?

No, pneumonia vaccinations will not be provided at the Boeing flu shot events regardless of the section on the consent form. Employees should discuss pneumonia vaccination with their primary care provider.

Who should contact their healthcare provider before receiving a flu shot?

Anyone who:

• Is allergic to chicken eggs or egg products
• Has a sensitivity to latex
• Is allergic to thimerosal (which is used as a preservative in vaccines, contact lens solutions, and other products)
• Has a cold, fever, or acute illness
• Has been instructed by a physician or other healthcare provider not to have a flu shot
• Has a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome or active neurological disorder
• Has had an adverse reaction to another vaccine
• Is pregnant or possibly pregnant* (see updated info on Washington State**)

* Important: Five states (California, Delaware, Missouri, Washington and New York) have passed state laws regulating flu shots containing thimerosal for pregnant women.

In the five states with active requirements, Boeing's flu shot vendor is planning to maintain a limited supply of flu vaccine with trace amounts of Thimerosal specifically for Boeing employees who are pregnant. If you are pregnant it is important to provide this information on the consent form so the supplier can give you the shot meeting the state requirement.

In all other states, if a Boeing employee is pregnant and has questions or concerns about receiving the flu vaccine, she is encouraged to consult with her personal health care provider regarding influenza vaccination. Contact GRP Wellness if you need additional information.

** Important - Washington State - Even though the state law regarding the limit on the amount of Thimerosal in flu vaccine for pregnant women has been lifted for this season, our provider anticipates having a limited supply of reduced Thimerosal flu vaccine at each clinic for pregnant women.

Employees are encouraged to consult with their personal health care provider with questions about thimerosal. The CDC website suggests there is no scientific evidence indicating that thimerosal in influenza vaccines is a cause of adverse events in vaccine recipients or to children born to women who receive vaccine during their pregnancy. As noted in the Federal Health and Human Services CDC Flu Vaccine 2008-2009 Information Sheet:

"Some inactivated influenza vaccine [the "flu shot" given by injection into the muscle] contains thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury. Some people believe thimerosal may be related to developmental problems in children. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine published a report concluding that, based on scientific studies, there is no evidence of such a relationship. If you are concerned about thimerosal, ask your doctor about thimerosal-free influenza vaccine."

Reference: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf.

Why is Boeing not offering the nasal spray flu immunization option?

The live nasal spray flu vaccine is fine for some people. The expense continues to be almost double that of the price Boeing pays for the injectable vaccine. Because there are more individuals who cannot receive this vaccine for various medical conditions and ages, at this time it does not lend itself logistically as well as the injectable vaccine to a workplace mass immunization program. More information on the nasal spray option can be found at this CDC link: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm.

 

Flu Prevention

What can I do to protect myself from the flu?

In addition to getting a flu shot, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following to help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Clean your hands often.
  When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. (FDA/CFSAN Food Safety A to Z Reference Guide, September 2001: Handwashing).
  
  
• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  
  
• Stay home when you are sick.
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  
  
• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?

Here is the website from the Centers for Disease Control that can help answer questions about the flu and why it is important to get vaccinated: www.cdc.gov/flu/

Influenza is a serious disease, and people of any age can get it. In an average year, the flu causes 36,000 deaths (mostly among those aged 65 years or older) and 114,000 hospitalizations in the United States. The "flu season" in the United States is usually from November through April each year. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.

 

Vaccine Information

Does the flu vaccine work right away?

No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the seasonal flu.

What are possible side effects of the flu shot?

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Minor body aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days.

I’ve heard that flu shots contain mercury, also known as thimerosal. Is that true?

Yes, a typical flu vaccination contains an extremely low amount, about 25 micrograms of ethylmercury. A six-ounce can of tuna, by contrast, contains about 29 micrograms of methylmercury. The type of mercury used in vaccines—ethylmercury—is much less likely to accumulate in the body and cause harm than methylmercury, which is the type of mercury found in fish and elsewhere in the environment. Mercury is a very effective preservative that has been used since the 1930s to keep vaccines safe. There is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the low doses of ethylmercury in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.

CDC, www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/thimerosal/

2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine Strains

WHO recommended that the Northern Hemisphere's 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine contain the following three vaccine viruses:

• an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)–like virus
• an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)–like virus
• a B/Brisbane/60/2008–like virus.

This recommended composition of the seasonal vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, is the same composition that was recommended for the Southern Hemisphere’s 2011 influenza vaccines.

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Last updated: 10/19/11