Flu Shot Shortage May Boost Absences

This year's shortage of influenza vaccine may produce many more lost work hours as thousands of workers are forced to skip their seasonal flu shot.

The shortage is due to the closure of British vaccine maker Chiron Corp., which has cut the U.S. supply nearly in half. The move is restricting shots to the elderly and other high-risk groups. Many large companies have offered yearly flu shots to employees in the hope that the shots, which cost $20 to $25 each, will pay for themselves in reduced absences. One study reported 43 percent reduced sick days for vaccinated employees. Between 10 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population catches the flu during an average season.