Employers can play a key role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution and should prepare for when vaccine access reaches the general public. Educating employees on ways to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams and helping to build confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine are important elements to a successful plan.

While vaccination details are getting worked out, here are three ways to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams:

1.) You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine. That’s a scam.
2.) You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine. That’s a scam.
3.) Nobody legit will call about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. That’s a scam.

Ignore any vaccine offers that ask for personal or financial information.
Learn more at ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams consumerresources.org/beware-coronavirus-scams

Building confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is equally important to getting us back to enjoying safe and productive workplaces. Here are a few things any organization can do to help build employee confidence in the vaccine.

·      Start at the top; encourage leaders and managers within your organization to champion the vaccine.

·      Talk about it. Provide an environment where employees can ask questions and discuss concerns openly in a constructive manner.

·      Provide information about safety, side effects, benefits, development and herd immunity through multiple channels which are both trusted and familiar to employees.

·      Celebrate the act of receiving the vaccine. Make employees feel proud about getting vaccinated and doing their part.

Click below to download a thoughtful COVID-19 Vaccine Workplace Planning Checklist developed by Zywave.

Employees getting vaccinated across all sectors of industry and business can be a driving force for a safe return to work for all Americans.