Larger text
Smaller text
Print
E-mail
Area employers cancelling flu vaccine programs
A quick survey of local companies, including PNC Financial Group Inc., U.S. Steel Corp., Medrad Inc., Del Monte Foods Co., General Nutrition Centers Inc. and Highmark Inc., found that because of the shortage none are offering flu shots this year, unlike in years past.
In a rare instance of a company obtaining the vaccine, Kennametal Inc. -- a Westmoreland County-based industrial tool maker -- gave shots to about 80 employees who fit higher risk profiles for contracting influenza.
"About twice that many opted out voluntarily because they didn't fit the (Center for Disease Control) profile," said spokeswoman Joy Chandler, adding that the company returned about 40 doses.
Chandler said the company received less than half its normal allocation from Highmark Inc., the company's health insurance provider.
"We normally get shots for a couple hundred (employees)," Chandler said. "There's never been a run on it, and not everybody wants a flu shot," she said.
Kennametal Inc. employs roughly 1,000 workers, including about 750 at its headquarters in Unity Township.
O'Hara-based Medrad has suspended its annual flu shot program, but will give $15 to employees who are not at high-risk and are able to get the shot somewhere else.
"We have not heard any complaints from employees," said spokeswoman Luanne Radermacher. "Our employees know that if we could get them, we certainly would.
Other employers, like U.S. Steel, urge their employees to use common sense, such as frequently washing hands, covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing, drinking plenty of water and staying home if developing flu-like symptoms.
GNC said it is offering a 50 percent discount to those age 50 and older on its Preventive Nutrition Immune Defense product through year's end, which it says is not a replacement for the vaccine, but strengthens the body's immune system.
"I can confirm that we've seen a significant increase in sales of cold and flu related products since the flu shot shortage news hit," said spokesman Patrick Fitzgerald.
More Regional headlines
- Defendant cooperates with DA in Meadows casino theft
- Planners need billions to rehabilitate roadways, bridges
- Cranberry couple under investigation in use of orphans' trust fund
- Blairsville dentist murder appeal rejected
- Flight 93 National Memorial event to honor heroes
- Taxpayers owed refunds sought
- Fayette County woman charged with embezzlement
- Newsmaker: Teresa Shellenbarger
