Flu Shot Student Health Center

College Students Need A Flu Shot

Every year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends a flu vaccine as we head into the influenza season. Our state health department is reporting an uptick in the number of influenza cases in college-aged individuals. We had an increase in the number of flu diagnoses here at Student Health last week.

Get a flu shot now. It takes 14 days for full immunity to develop from a flu vaccine, and you will want to be protected when you travel home or elsewhere. Consider a COVID-19 vaccine if you have not been vaccinated yet- the two vaccines can be given at the same visit.

The Flu Shot Is Your Best Defence

This years flu season is taking place at the same time as COVID-19. Dont take any unnecessary risks with your health. Get the flu shot as early in the season as possible.

The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older. It is:

• safe
• free
• available from your doctor or nurse practitioner, and at participating pharmacies and local public health units across the province
• proven to reduce the number of doctor visits, hospitalizations and deaths related to the flu
• different each year because the virus changes frequently so you need to get it every fall

Flu Shots For Students

The flu vaccine is made available each fall to all enrolled students by appointment at the Health Center. Flu shots are billed to your insurance and require no co-pay nor additional fees.

Tulane faculty and staff should visit a pharmacy that administers the vaccine or contact their healthcare provider.

Flu shot appointments will be available at the Health Center Uptown beginning October 11. We request students schedule an appointment by calling 504-865-5255 and complete the online consent and paperwork, including insurance card uploads. Students must bring their Splash ID and wear a shirt that allows us roll up a sleeve.

If you have never visited the Health Center before, please fill out your patient forms on the Patient Portal before arriving.

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Student Health Center To Offer Flu Shots

Patients seeking a flu shot at the Student Health Center must pre-register to attend an outreach. Walk-in appointments will not be allowed.

• Save

The Student Health Center will provide flu shot outreaches at the San Marcos and Round Rock Texas State campuses.

Texas State faculty, staff and students seeking to receive a flu shot at the Student Health Center must pre-register by calling 512-245-2161. Walk-in appointments will not be allowed.

San Marcos flu shot outreaches:

Round Rock flu shot outreach:

The flu shot cost is covered by most in-network health insurance plans, or $25 for out-of-network or uninsured patients. For more information or to register for a flu shot outreach, contact the Student Health Center at 512-245-2161. If accommodation is required due to a disability, contact the Patient Advocate at 512-245-8437 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Know The Signs And Symptoms

Its easy to mistake a cold for the flu. Both can cause a sore throat, coughing, and congestion. The common cold can make you feel run down, but the flu can make it difficult for you to even get out of bed. Another big difference is that colds have a gradual onset of symptoms, while the flu shows a sudden onset of symptoms.

The flu can also bring:

• High-grade fever
• Body aches
• Possible vomiting and/or diarrhea

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Student Health Center Closure Dates

CLOSED:

Monday May 30th for Memorial Day

Adjusted Clinic hours due to COVID-19:

The Student Health Center has consolidated clinical staffing to Monday- Friday 7:30am – 5:00pm. Tuesday evening extended hours during fall and spring semesters are 7:30am – 7:30pm. We will be accepting appointments for asymptomatic patients who need immunizations, titers, labs and QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood tests. We are not accepting walk-ins at the present time. We encourange you to use virtual visit options when we are closed or if you have cold or flu symptoms.

The Student Health Center is now offering virtual visits for students! Visits are during our normal operating hours, using Zoom for Healthcare.

Please consider the following options when the Student Health Center is closed:

Tele Doc – a free service for students on the Student Health Insurance Plan and just $40 for students not on the insurance.

What To Do If You Get The Flu:

Most cases of the flu will not require a visit to your doctor. However

• Students should call their healthcare provider if they experience marked worsening of symptoms such as increasing cough with shortness of breath, or prolonged periods of fever greater than 101 degrees F that arent relieved by taking over-the-counter, fever-reducing medications.
• Students should seek emergency treatment if they have difficulty breathing, feel severe pain or pressure in their chest or abdomen, suddenly get dizzy or confused or experience severe or persistent vomiting.
• If influenza-like symptoms get better, but then return with a worse fever and cough, students should seek medical advice.
• Women who are pregnant or people with chronic health conditions should seek guidance from their doctors if they experience influenza symptoms.

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When To Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention, from Rutgers Health Services, your home doctor, or a local hospital.

• Fever is over 100 degrees F for more than 23 days
• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• Breathing is difficult and painful
• Swallowing fluids is difficult or painful

Where To Obtain Flu Vaccine

• Flu vaccine can be obtained in the SHS Nurses Clinic.

What should I do if I get sick? Is it a cold or the flu?

• Stay at home or in your room until at least 24hrs after the fever has stopped. You are contagious while you are having a fever.
• If you need advice, call Student Health at 858-534-3300 to speak to a nurse OR go to our home page under “Online Services” and click on “Your Secure Messages” to send a direct message to the Advice Nurse. We recommend that you do this first before coming into Student Health, as coming in could unnecessarily expose others to your illness.
• ANTIBIOTICS are not effective for influenza as it is a virus.
• Flu lasts for 7-10 days, and the cough can last longer.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids including water, broth and Gatorade.
• Take Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
• Come in to Student Health if you have signs or symptoms of a serious illness or have a high risk condition . Otherwise you are best off staying at home or in your room.

Is it the flu?

• Flu comes on suddenly and you will usually have fever, body aches and a headache.
• Chest discomfort and a cough are common and can be severe.
• There is sometimes accompanying sneezing, stuffy nose and a sore throat.
• It lasts for 7-10 days, and the cough can last longer.

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Get An Annual Flu Shot

Getting an annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who are at high risk of infection, such as students , healthcare workers, those who smoke, those over 50, children under 2 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems . The CDC currently recommends flu vaccination for everyone.

Since the strain of the flu virus changes every year, annual vaccines are needed. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in your body that protect you against the flu, so make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins.

View the CDCs flu fact sheet and Vaccine Information Statement here.

Vaccine Safety & Science

Below are some resources that may help you feel more comfortable about the safety of the vaccine and the impact that remaining unvaccinated may have on your family, friends and neighbors. No matter your reason, review the information below and speak with your primary care physician for any medical concerns.

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Flu Prevention Messages To The Campus

Messages regarding flu prevention and flu updates are sent to the campus via email and are also posted to our website. Stay up-to-date!

Alana’s Foundation was founded in 2009 in memory of Alana Yaksich, who died at 5 years of age on February 3, 2003 of influenza. To learn more about Alana, watch the short video below.

Unable To Attend A Clinic Date

You can also receive a flu shot now at many off-campus retail pharmacy locations. Contact your health insurance provider to find out which pharmacies participate with your plan.

The following pharmacies are accessible by car or mall/market campus bus service:

• Tops, Main Street Plaza

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Flu Vaccination At The Student Health Center

Appointments and Fees

Flu shots are available by appointment for eligible students, faculty and staff. To schedule an appointment, please call 323.343.3300.

• Currently enrolled students: No cost
• Note: This service is based on eligibility to use Student Health Center services. Please click on Eligibility for information. Proof of eligibility is required prior to receiving services. Please bring your current student ID card with you to your appointment.

• Current employees: $20
• Note: Payment by cash or checks is required for this service. Please bring exact change when paying in cash. Proof of current employment is required prior to receiving services. Please bring your current employee ID with you to your appointment.

Masks are Required

All visitors to the Student Health Center are required to wear a face mask before entry to and while in the Center. Please visit Los Angeles Department of Public Health’s COVID-19: Masks page for mask guidance.

• Please note: Face masks with valves or vents should not be used.

COVID-19 Screening

In order to receive a flu shot at the Student Health Center, students and employees must:

• Not have respiratory or other symptoms associated with COVID-19 on their appointment date or have had symptoms within 10 days of the scheduled appointment.

• Not have been in close contact with anyone who has or likely has COVID-19 within 10 days of the scheduled appointment.

When To Get The Flu Shot

Flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring.

Flu shots are now available for all Ontarians. You should get a flu shot as soon as possible because it takes two weeks to take effect.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization now recommends that COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacy to learn more.

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Who Is Most At Risk

Complications from the flu can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or heart attacks and, in some cases, death. Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.

Some people are more vulnerable to complications and hospitalization from the flu:

• babies under 6 months old are too young to get the flu shot, but they’ll get some protection if their parent got the flu shot while they were pregnant
• children under 5 years of age, because their immune systems are developing, and their airways are small and more easily blocked
• people 65 years old and older, because their immune systems are weaker and they are more likely to have an underlying condition that increases their risk
• pregnant people, because their immune system, heart and lungs change especially later in pregnancy making them more likely to get seriously ill from the flu
• people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes

To Avoid Spreading Illness To Others

• Stay home when you are ill. Email your instructors and explain that you are ill, and arrange to make up missed class work.
• Stay home until your fever is gone for 24 hours .
• If you live in a residence hall, you should stay in your room as much as you can and wear a mask if you must go our to a communal area i.e. bathrooms and lounges. If you have concerns, talk to your RA or call the Hall Office in your residence hall.
• If you live in a residence hall, you can request a meal, please call the dining center nearest to your residence hall, ask for a manager, and they will help you.
• Piazza – 319-273-2513

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Ways To Protect Yourself From The Flu

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Practice Good Health Habits

The CDC recommends that you follow general recommendations to stay healthy. These suggestions include: get plenty of sleep be physically active manage your stress drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Influenza vaccine is available at the Student Health Center for $20 . Call 785-8558 to make an appointment to get your Influenza vaccine!

A UWL student was recently diagnosed with Meningitis B, received treatment at a medical center, and has recovered. This was an isolated incident. Close contacts of the student have already been identified and treated with antibiotics and vaccination as needed. The La Crosse County Health Department has found no additional cases of suspected Meningitis B.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and can cause a blood infection or meningitis . These illnesses are severe and can be deadly. College students are at increased risk for meningitis given close living quarters. Outbreaks of Meningitis B have been seen at other universities.

Meningitis Risk Factors

• Meningitis is spread by contact with saliva. It is not spread through the air or by casual contact
• You can help prevent infection by not kissing, sharing drinks, utensils, plates or cigarettes/vapes
• Weak immune system

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Getting Your Flu Shot

Student Health Service

Flu shots are available at a tent located outside of the Lennar Foundation Medical Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not necessary walk-ups are accepted.

Off-Campus Locations

Students who receive their flu shot from an off-campus location must upload documentation of their vaccination via MyUHealthChart.

Where Can Students Get A Flu Shot

Students can choose to get a flu shot on- or off-campus.

On-campus:

• Student Health Services host on-campus flu clinics. Flu clinics are announced on the SHS calendar. Flu clinics are appointment-only, and students must make an appointment on Patient Connect.

Off-campus near the Charles River Campus :

• CVS 730 Commonwealth Ave.
• Osco Pharmacy in Star Market 1065 Commonwealth Ave.
• CVS 1249 Boylston St.

Off-campus near the Medical Campus :

• Walgreens 1603 Washington St.

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How Much Will Getting A Flu Shot Cost

On-campus:

• Students with the BU Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan can get a flu shot for free through a SHS flu clinic. Flu clinics are announced on the SHS calendar. Flu clinics are appointment-only, and students must make an appointment on Patient Connect.
• Students that have other health insurance can get a flu shot from a SHS flu clinic for $40. SHS will bill your Student Account for the cost of the flu shot. Some health insurance companies may reimburse students for the cost of the flu shot.

Off-campus:

• The price will depend on a students health insurance and where they get the flu shot.

Preventing The Seasonal Flu

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Student Health Clinic has approximately 30 flu shots remaining. Students can also receive a flu shot at Hy-Vee, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart or their family doctor. Additionally, CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses, like the flu.

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Free Flu Shots For Students

The Student Health Service strongly encourages University of Pittsburgh students to take preventative measures to limit the spread of flu by getting an annual flu shot. Students can receive FREE seasonal flu vaccine shots through the Student Health Service on the following dates and locations. FLU SHOT APPOINTMENTS FOR NOVEMBER By Appt ONLYLocation: Student Health Service, OHara TentWhen:These Wednesdays: 1pm thru 4pmThese Thursdays: 1pm thru 3pm

To ScheduleFlu Shot appointments can be scheduled thru the Student Portal or by calling a receptionist at 383-1800.To make an online Flu Shot appointment:

Preparing for your Flu Shot AppointmentYou will receive an Appt Reminder email and Secure message the night before your Flu Shot appointment.It will contain the following information:

• Appointment Date/Time
• Link to Vaccine Information Statement for you to review
• Self Checkin instructions
• Pre-Visit Form instructions