Quick answer: A workplace flu shot program helps Northern Virginia employers cut sick days and keep teams running through flu season. Employers can send staff to PACS Urgent Care in Alexandria or Ruther Glen for walk-in flu shots, or contact our occupational health team about group options. The best time to vaccinate a team is September through November.

Flu season hits businesses hard. One sick employee can spread it across a team in days, leading to missed shifts, slower projects and stretched staff. A simple flu shot program is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your workforce.

Why flu shots matter for employers

  • Fewer sick days: Vaccinated employees are less likely to get the flu and tend to recover faster if they do
  • Less spread: Shared offices, warehouses, job sites and break rooms make it easy for flu to move through a team
  • Protection for customers: Especially important in health care, food service, schools and senior care
  • Morale: Offering free, convenient shots shows employees you care about their health

Program options with PACS

  • Walk-in shots: Employees can visit either PACS clinic during open hours, no appointment needed
  • Group options: Contact our occupational health team to discuss scheduling and billing for your team

Employees with insurance can usually get their flu shot at no cost. See flu shot cost in Virginia.

Tips for a successful flu shot campaign

  1. Announce dates early, ideally by late September or early October
  2. Share our flu shot myths vs. facts to answer common concerns
  3. Make it easy: paid time to get vaccinated, or on-site options
  4. Remind staff that protection takes about 2 weeks to build (see our flu shot guide)
  5. Pair it with a clear sick policy: employees should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medicine (see how long to stay home with the flu)

When an employee gets sick

PACS can test and treat employees the same day and provide a doctor’s note for work. Early rapid flu testing and antiviral treatment can shorten illness and get people back sooner. Employees too sick to travel can use a telemedicine visit.

More occupational health services

Our employer services also cover pre-employment physicals, drug screening, DOT physicals and work injury care. Read our occupational health guide for Northern Virginia employers.

Frequently asked questions

Can employers require flu shots in Virginia?

Rules depend on your industry and policies, and employees may request medical or religious accommodations. Talk with your HR or legal advisor.

When should we schedule a workplace flu clinic?

September through November gives employees time to build protection before flu peaks.

Do you serve businesses outside Alexandria?

Yes. We serve Northern Virginia from our Alexandria clinic and Caroline County and the I-95 corridor from Ruther Glen.

Set up your team’s flu shots

Contact us to set up a flu shot program for your business, or send employees to our Alexandria or Ruther Glen clinics.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician.