Royal Mail Group – 2022 Free Flu Voucher Scheme Offer and On-Site Clinics

Royal Mail Group – 2022 Free Flu Voucher Scheme Offer and On-Site Clinics:

Introduction To The 2022 Scheme:

Following discussions with the company, Royal Mail Group have confirmed agreement that there will be a 2022 ‘Free Flu Voucher Offer’ this year to all employees. This is the fifth year that the scheme has been run by RMG and the scheme has been further improved and expanded. This year there will be more choice and accessibility for those members wishing to receive a Flu vaccination and we would encourage people to take up the offer.

This year’s Flu Vouchers will again be ‘digital’ and members will be given an access code number to obtain the voucher on-line with simple guidance.

Members will be able to redeem their ‘free Flu Jab voucher’ at over 4,000 locations, including pharmacies and supermarkets, which is over 2,200 more Flu jab providers than there were two years ago. Those companies participating in the Flu jab provision include Morrisons, Tesco, Lloyds, Superdrug, Well Pharmacy and ASDA.

Bookings are being taken for appointments now and it is recommended that those wishing to take up the offer either phone, call in or book an appointment online as soon as possible as appointment slots get taken up very quickly.

Respiratory illnesses are predicted to hit high levels this winter and the NHS is encouraging everyone to get their Flu vaccination during September or October to reduce the risk of catching and spreading Flu during the winter.

The Royal Mail Group Flu Voucher Scheme has this week been formally launched with letters dispatched and being delivered to all employees’ home addresses with all deliveries due to be completed this week and thereon appointments can be booked from Week Commencing Monday 19 September 2022 onwards. Vouchers can be redeemed to receive a free Flu vaccination until 31 December 2022.

Digital Vouchers:

All RMG employees will receive a letter this week which will include full details on how to download the free digital Flu vaccination voucher and arrange an appointment.

Downloading A Free Digital Flu Vaccination Voucher And Arranging An Appointment:

Access the Flu voucher website digitalFlu.co.ukand enter an email address (work or personal).
Enter the RMG company code R5M9G7and a free Flu voucher will be delivered by email.
Locate the Flu jab provider of choice, nearest or most convenient and book an appointment for 19 September onwards. This can be done either by phone, on-line or by calling in Booking arrangements may vary between providers but the process is simple in each case.
At the appointment to receive the Flu jab members will need to show their Royal Mail ID and the RMG digital free Flu voucher.
Redeem the voucher and receive a free Flu vaccination by 31 December 2022.

On-Site Flu Clinics In Royal Mail And Parcelforce Largest Units

On-site Flu clinics have been increased in number this year and will be available in 130 of the largest Royal Mail Group sites and a number of high risk units. The units due to have an on-site Flu clinic have been advised and provided with further information and support from RMG Occupational Health Team HQ. See attached list of Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce) on-site Flu clinics.

New Recruits And Agency Staff

New recruits and agency staff will again be included this year.

Free NHS Vaccination

The Flu jab will continue to be available free of charge from the NHS for; people over 50, those at risk of severe illness from catching Flu, those with certain defined conditions and a range of children’s age groups. For further information individuals should contact their GP surgery.

Communications

A joint communication has been sent to all Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce) employees and a promotion campaign has been launched via Royal Mail communication channels promoting the ‘Free Flu Voucher’ scheme with Royal Mail, Parcelforce and the Trade Unions raising awareness of the scheme and encouraging take-up. Further improvements have been made to the scheme this year, widening and easing access and hopefully this will encourage a greater take-up especially following the Coronavirus pandemic.

The 2022 RMG Flu Voucher Scheme Summary

Digital Flu vaccination vouchers are being made available for all Royal Mail Group workers, including agency staff, redeemable at over 4,000
On-site Flu jab clinics are to be provided at 130 of Royal Mail Group’s largest units.
The NHS are continuing to provide a free Flu vaccination to those over 50 this year.

Conclusion and Reminder

Those members intending to utilise the ‘Free Flu Jab’ scheme and redeem their voucher have until the 31 December to do so. Would all Area and Unit Reps please remind all members to consider taking up the ‘Free Flu Jab’ offer before the closing date of 31 December 2022.

No Local Listed Provider

Where the distance between a member’s home and the nearest pharmacy exceeds 15 miles, the Unit Manager will be able to authorise use of another, alternative Flu jab provider up to the maximum cost of £15. This is claimed through the travel and expenses process.

Influenza (Flu)

Flu is one of the most significant causes of illness during the winter months. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, which is highly contagious and can lead to severe ill-health. In 2017 a large number of the Royal Mail Group workforce, over 31,000 employees were affected by Flu which was a 31% increase on the previous year with over 127,000 days lost to the Flu. Those unfortunate enough to catch Flu suffered debilitating pain, nausea, high fever, headache and muscle aches, cough, sore throat, tiredness and discomfort plus time away from work. This meant that in addition to members being unwell, the service to customers was badly affected. Considering the risk of Flu and Covid-19 co-circulating again this winter, Royal Mail Group and the CWU are jointly encouraging all members to consider taking up the opportunity to have the Flu jab and in doing so reduce their risk of getting Flu, becoming unwell and passing it onto family, friends and work colleagues.

Would all Area and Unit Reps please remind all members to seriously consider taking up the ‘Free Flu Jab’ offer before the closing date of 31 December 2021. Thank you.

See attached copies of: