Lourdes “Lori” Diaz

Clinical Nurse Supervisor

Lourdes Diaz knew the importance of being vaccinated against influenza—she's worked in health-care for over 15 years. But in 1994, when she was working as a per diem nurse, she got busy and did not have the time to get immunized.

She got influenza and had to miss nearly a week's work. “That was lost income,” said Lori. “At the time, I was not paid sick days, and the lost income made a big difference.” Lori, now a Clinical Nurse Supervisor, oversees the Bureau of Chest Disease/Tuberculosis Unit of the Suffolk County Department of Health in New York.

“It took me a full three weeks to recover. For the sake of the minimal time it takes to get vaccinated, I could have avoided all of that.”

Studies show influenza immunization can prevent influenza in the workplace, helping to reduce sick leave and missed work days.¹ And in Lori's case, health-care workers should be immunized to also protect patients in their care.¹

Lori urges influenza vaccination as a priority for all working families. “It's imperative because influenza impacts every aspect of your life. My husband worked very long hours, and even though I was very sick with influenza, I still had to take care of the home and the kids, which delayed my recovery and put my family at risk of getting the disease from me. Our employers and our families need us to stay well. We're all busy and most of us can't afford to lose money or our strength.”