Suffolk County Water Authority Announces Employee Flu Vaccination Program

(Long Island, N.Y.) The Suffolk County Water Authority Board recently approved a plan to provide a reimbursement of $20 to all employees who have been inoculated with the seasonal flu vaccine. This initiative is part of SCWA’s Wellness Program. All 605 employees are invited to participate.

“We are encouraging all of our employees to take this opportunity and get vaccinated,” said Michael LoGrande, SCWA Board Chairman. “We all know how important it is to get vaccinated each and every year, yet so many of us never take the time to get the vaccine. The Water Authority wanted to make the process a little easier on our employees by helping them out in this tough economy.”

“Keeping our employees healthy is important,” added Patrick Halpin, SCWA Board Secretary. “It allows our workforce to remain healthy, and on the important job of providing water to Suffolk County Water Authority customers.”

The Board opted to initiate a reimbursement program because vaccinations are recommended early on in the season. Seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, and usually peak by January or later. The flu contributes to absenteeism and medical costs. If it progresses to pneumonia, it can cause hospitalization with lengthy stays.

For more information on SCWA, please visit www.scwa.com.

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating by virtue of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving almost 1.3 million of Suffolk’s County’s residents, it operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.