The Impact of Annual Vaccination Clinics on Dairies

University of California

Since fall 2019, Bar 20 Dairy in Fresno County has taken proactive steps to support employee health through on-site annual vaccination clinics. Seasonal flu can increase absenteeism and reduce productivity. This year, the seasonal flu vaccine is particularly important due to the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak. While the flu vaccine does not protect against HPAI H5N1, the CDC recommends flu vaccination of dairy workers to minimize the risk of co-infections.
Commitment to Employee Health
At Bar 20, nearly 60% of employees participate each year in vaccination campaigns. In 2021, Bar 20 hosted two additional clinics to provide COVID19 vaccinations, and they opened those to neighboring farm workers.
“We care about our employees and want to promote health and wellness,” shared Sarah Dean and Steve Shehadey from Bar 20 Dairy. “Vaccinations help illness-related absences and minimize workplace stress.”
 
Planning and Coordination
Participation in the vaccination campaign is voluntary. Before each event, the dairy’s administrative team surveys workers for interest and collects consent forms.
On the event day, a contracted health provider administers vaccines, manages documentation, and oversees clinic operations. The clinic is set up outdoors under awnings with privacy screens, and participants are often provided with breakfast or lunch.
Logistics and Execution
The on-site clinics run for approximately threehours, during which dairy managers schedule employee visits around their shifts. Because interested employees are identified ahead of time, attendance is well-coordinated without disrupting daily workflows.
Why It Matters
The practical benefits of Bar 20’s vaccination clinics include healthier employees and fewer absences during flu season. Offering these services on-site adds convenience for workers and reflects on the company’s values of care and wellness.
Looking Ahead
This fall marked the dairy’s sixth annual flu vaccination clinic. The Bar 20 team is proud of the program’s positive impact and plans to keep offering this service in the future.

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