Flavorite marketing and communications manager Tom Millis (right) checks in with staff as they load onto the minibus to return to work after their COVID vaccinations last week (from left) Ganesh Shanmugam, Titileau Taape Toleafoa and Toe Lau.
Protecting staff while guaranteeing its product supply was the rationale behind Flavorite’s COVID vaccination blitz last week.
The Warragul vaccination clinic last week opened its doors to the Flavorite organisation, enabling staff to be transported from the Copelands Rd operation for their COVID jabs.
Two mini-buses transported 190 staff to The Goods Shed for the vaccination program that also saw 14 family members of staff also vaccinated.
Flavorite group HR manager Sue Ilett said the company surveyed staff about a month ago to gauge vaccinations numbers and interest in getting vaccinated.
The survey showed an overwhelming response of staff wanting the jab.
Ms Ilett said for many staff getting time off work or trying to get a booking had been obstacles.
“So we thought let’s facilitate something for our staff,” she said.
Ms Ilett said by providing access to the vaccination program during work hours was a win-win for the company and staff.
Flavorite marketing and communications manager Tom Millis said they wanted to send a positive message to their staff and suppliers.
“It’s about protecting our people, protecting their families, protecting the local community and keeping fresh produce on the shelves.
“For us it was a no brainer. We need people so we need to protect them,” he said.
Ms Ilett said Flavorite had initiated extensive COVID safe practices with hygiene, social distancing and separating brew areas.
“We’ve had all of these measures in place to keep our employees safe,” she said.
The vaccination clinic, ran by West Gippsland Healthcare Group, is now vaccinating 1660 people a week.
As well as Flavorite employees, the clinic also vaccinated meat works employees and accommodated vaccination target groups including VCE students and construction workers.
The clinic also recently targeted police and ambulance staff and held a vaccination night for CFA members.
The clinic is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to noon. Bookings can be made via the hotline on 1800 675398 or online at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
