Governor and First Lady Parson Receive Annual Flu Shots

OCTOBER 7, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson received their annual flu shots. Governor Parson and First Lady Parson ask you to join them in getting flu shots this October, especially those who are leaders. Your actions can influence your employees to take positive steps and preventive actions to prevent the flu in your workplace this season.

Making flu shots more accessible to employees is also important as the flu can have a major impact on business operations. Governor Parson and First Lady Parson encourage you to take steps now to minimize the effects of flu in the workplace.

“I have always made getting the flu shot a priority because it helps me stay healthy, so I can better serve Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “Today, many of our team members joined me and the First Lady in getting flu shots so that our office stays healthy this flu season. We encourage you to do the same to protect yourself and those around you from the flu this year.”

“I recently had the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C., to meet with all state health directors, the U.S. Surgeon General, the CDC, and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. One very powerful way we discussed to increase vaccinations is for leaders of organizations to personally demonstrate the importance by being vaccinated themselves,” Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams, MD, said. “We encourage leaders to follow Governor Parson’s example and get their flu shot to help keep themselves, their families, and everyone around them protected this season.”

Employers might consider offering an on-site flu clinic and/or encourage employees to seek the flu vaccination in the community.

If interested in hosting an on-site clinic during business hours, a great place to start would be contacting your local health department. Once you schedule a clinic, consider allowing employees to receive their vaccination without having to go off the clock. 

If hosting an on-site clinic is not possible, there are other ways you can encourage vaccination for your employees. From displaying vaccination materials in high-traffic areas to policies that allow staff time to seek vaccinations in the community, many options can be adapted to fit your team.

For additional information on hosting an on-site clinic or best practices for encouraging vaccination, click here.