Penn State Hosting Flu Vaccine Clinics For Students
This is Old Main on the Penn State University main campus in State College, Pa.Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Penn State University Health Services will host two flu vaccine clinics for Penn State University Park students during the fall semester.
The clinic will be held on Sept. 30 at the HUB-Robeson Center and on Oct. 25 in Alumni Hall. Both clinics will go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled in advance through myUHS in order to receive the vaccine.
Students must upload their health insurance cards and bring their student ID with them to the appointment.
There are many reasons to get an influenza vaccination yearly,Valerie Fulton, UHS infectious disease manager said. Per the CDC, flu vaccination is the best way to safeguard yourself, your friends and your family members against flu and its potentially serious complications.
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University Health Services Offering Additional Flu Clinic November 30
Penn States University Health Services is providing students another opportunity to get their flu shot with an in-house clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30.
The clinic will be hosted at the Student Health Center on Bigler Road. Shots are available by appointment only and can be scheduled through myUHS.
Students are encouraged to upload their health insurance information to myUHS and complete a handful of forms prior to their appointment. Your Penn State ID will also be required at the time of your shot.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective and typically well covered by insurance, interim UHS Medical Director Rebecca Simcik said. Most medications for the flu only decrease symptoms by one day, so people can still feel quite sick despite taking flu medicine. The flu shot is your best line of defense.
Penn State said 179 cases of Flu A were confirmed at University Park between October 28 and November 17. The strain present on campus, A H3N3, was added to the vaccine administered by UHS prior to this years flu season.
The November 30 clinic will be Penn States fifth of the year. This is the first clinic to be held in-house, as the previous four took place in the HUB.
Will The Vaccines Work To Stop Covid
When it announced its approval of the Pfizer vaccine Aug. 23, the FDA stated that the vaccine is 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease across age, gender, race and ethnicity demographics. COVID-19vaccines are aimed at preventing clinical disease.We do not know whether they prevent transmissionof the virus.
Modernareported a 94.5% effective rate for its vaccine in its initial late-stage data. The FDA reportedthat the Single-Shot Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was approximately 67% effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 occurring at least 14 days after vaccination and 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 occurring at least 28 days after vaccination. The effectiveness of the single-shot Janssen vaccine from Johnson & Johnson appears to be lower than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. However, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was tested in regions where some of the variants had become prominent, whereas the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had been tested prior to that time.
For specific data, guidance, side effects and more, please see theFDAs fact sheets on the three COVID-19 vaccines:
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Penn State Health St Joseph Offering Free Flu Vaccines In Drive
10/13/20 Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center has canceled two community drive-thru flu shot clinics that had been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4-7p, and Saturday, Oct. 17, 9-2pm.
Since the start of the flu season, the medical center has distributed nearly 3,000 vaccines to the Berks community during its first public drive-thru flu shot clinic and employee events done in partnership with large area employers.
The medical center chose to cancel the clinics to ensure it can meet the future needs of inpatients and staff. The medical center has requested an additional supply from vaccine manufacturers and will reschedule the flu vaccine clinics, if possible.
9/30/20 Penn State Health St. Joseph will host three community drive-thru flu shot clinics during October at its Bern Township campus, 2500 Bernville Road, Reading.
Held in the parking lot just off the Red Bridge Road entrance, the clinics will be offered Wednesdays, October 7 and 14, between 4-7pm, and Saturday, October 17, between 9-2pm.
The vaccines, which are free of charge, are available to anyone six months and older. Masks are required to receive a vaccine.
To receive a vaccination, participants must print and complete the flu vaccine acceptance form posted on St. Josephs website and bring it with them to the clinic.
I Have A Preexisting Health Condition Is It Safe For Me To Have The Vaccine
Studies to date indicate the COVID vaccines havehigh ratesof effectiveness and safety among all age groups anddemographics, with a very low rate of serious side effects including in people with a variety of pre-existing health conditions. Discuss your individual health history and concerns with your primary care provider to help you make an informed decision.
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Penn State Health St Joseph Flu Shots To Give Boost To Cats Dogs
Reading, Pa., September 30, 2015Penn State Health St. Joseph will offer free flu shots for adults and children on Saturday., Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the main lobby of the Bern Township campus. While not required in order to receive a flu shot, the hospital also is welcoming donations of non-perishable foods or supplies which it will donate to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and Humane Society of Berks County. Attendees can bring donated items to the main lobby as they come in for their flu shot.
Flu shot recipients are also welcome to join a tailgate party on the Bern campus from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The event is to celebrate St. Josephs membership in Penn State Health and is a prelude to the Nittany Lions/Ohio State Buckeyes football game later that evening.
The hospital typically inoculates about 1500 people a year through its annual flu shot program. The vaccine will be available by injection only. No registration is required. The Bern Township campus is located at 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, Pa.
Penn Worked Efficiently To Inoculate The Campus Community Against Influenza
With the flu vaccine required for all students this year, and strongly recommended for faculty, staff, and postdocs, many took advantage of a chance to get their flu shot right on campus. The annual Flu Clinic was held last week in a new location, Gimbel Gym in the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center, to allow space to serve more people than in previous years. At this years clinic, 14,000 members of the Penn community received their flu vaccine, a mix of four strains known to be circulating and predicted to be the most prevalent in North America this fall and winter. The operation offered a quick and convenient chance to take a big step toward flu prevention. “Because of the larger space, the turnaround time was consistently around four to six minutes from arrival to exiting, says Halbritter.
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Should I Be Concerned About Reported Mutant Strains Of Covid In Pennsylvania And Neighboring States
Mutations in viruses occur constantly, eventually causing new variants of a virus. Influenza is an example of a virus that mutates easily, which is why flu vaccines are often updated from one season to the next.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance program in November 2020 to track how the COVID virus may be mutating. Since then, new variant strains have been confirmed across the globe – and in Pennsylvania.
Scientists are studying how the variant strains may differ from the original COVID-19 virusin regard totransmission, testing, severity of infection, treatment and immune protection from the vaccines currently available or from antibodies from a previous COVID infection. To date, these new variant strains appear to spread more easily and quickly -meaning that they can makemore people sick.
The CDC has classified the B.1.1.7 , B.1.351 , B1.617.2 , and P.1 variants circulating in the United States as variants of concern.
What Is An Emergency Use Authorization
An Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA, allows the use of unapproved medical products in response to a declared public health emergency where there are no adequate, approved and available alternatives. An EUA for a COVID-19 vaccine allows vaccine distribution in the U.S. without a full FDA approval.
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Health Care Providers Are Actively Preparing To Protect Their Patients
Even while hoping for a quiet flu season, clinicians are preparing for a surge in respiratory infections this fall and winter. Weve discussed shifting more of our appointments to telemedicine rather than in person, says Christensen. We want to provide our consultative ability to patients who are sick, but we also want to protect patients who are coming in for well checks.
Flu and COVID-19 illnesses can overlap in their symptoms. Patients presenting with flu-like symptoms are now typically given COVID-19 tests as a matter of course, but Christensen says as flu season ramps up, they may also be screened for the influenza virus or other respiratory illnesses.
The bottom line is we are preparing for a surge, and are working to stay nimble to take care of our patients, she says.
Kristin Christensen is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and regional medical director of Penn Primary Care.
Ashlee Halbritter is director of Campus Health at Penn.
Vanessa Stoloff is medical director of Penns Student Health Service.
With The Ongoing Threat Of The Covid
The Berks County Commissioners have partnered with the Berks County Medical Society and local hospitals to help provide education and information about the flu vaccine this year. We can each do our part to help slow the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu by doing the following: Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing our hands and getting the flu shot.
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Pa Health Department Urges People To Get Flu Shots Now
HERSHEY, Pa. The Pennsylvania Department of Health launched a Stopping the Flu Starts with You campaign at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on Friday.
Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy wants people to know now is the best time to get your flu shot.
Last year, 64 Pennsylvanians died from the flu. Murphy said all healthy people, ages six months and older, should get their shot to prevent that from happening this year.
Murphy got her flu shot at the event.
It didnt hurt at all, she said.
Murphy encourages others to get their flu shot, as well.
Its not only about protecting you, she said. Its about protecting people who are more vulnerable.
The more people who are vaccinated, the less chance the flu can spread through our community, said Craig Hillemeier, senior vice president, dean, and CEO of Penn State Health.
You can take several steps to prevent the flu.
This is the time for flu shots, Murphy said. I encourage everyone to get a flu shot. That is the best way of protecting against the flu.
Its important that people wash their hands. Its probably one of the most important ways that we can make sure, Hillemeier said. If you have influenza, its important that you stay away from people who are liable to catch influenza.
Children and the elderly are vulnerable to getting very sick with the flu.
Try to cough into your elbow and not into your hands. Wipe down laptops, cell phones, and doorknobs with anti-bacterial wipes.
How Can I Get A Third Dose
Penn State Health has five dedicated COVID-19 vaccination locations throughout central Pennsylvania. You may schedule your third dose for one of these site by visiting our vaccine scheduling platform. If you prefer, you can call .
You will be asked screening questions to make sure that you are eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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University Health Services Offering Two More Flu Shot Clinics In November
Penn States University Health Services will offer two additional flu shot clinics for students next month in the HUB.
The first clinic will be held on Monday, November 8, in Alumni Hall, while the second clinic will follow on Tuesday, November 9, in Heritage Hall. Both clinics will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments must be scheduled through myUHS, as walk-ins wont be accepted this year.
Students are required to bring their Penn State IDs to any flu shot appointment, and all required forms and health insurance information must be completed in myUHS beforehand. If you dont have insurance or UHS doesnt have your information on record, the Bursar will bill $25 to your account.
There are many reasons to get an influenza vaccination yearly, Valerie Fulton, UHS infectious disease manager, said. Per the CDC, flu vaccination is the best way to safeguard yourself, your friends and your family members against flu and its potentially serious complications.
Spots for UHSs other clinics this fall went quickly, but dont worry if you arent able to attend these clinics. There are plenty of off-campus options to get the shot, too.
Thanks To Covid Prevention Measures Last Years Flu Season Was Among The Mildest In Years Penn Experts Explain Why This Year May Be Different And How To Prepare
With so much attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, its important to remember that this is the time of year to consider another infectious threat: influenza. While flu viruses can circulate year-round, case numbers tend to begin climbing in October, peaking somewhere between December and February.
Penn Today checked in with Vanessa Stoloff from the Student Health, Ashlee Halbritter from Campus Health, and Kristin Christensen from the Perelman School of Medicine to learn more about what to expect from this years flu season, the best prevention strategies, and how the COVID-19 pandemic may be playing a role, for better or worse.
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Can My 5 To 17
Yes. Penn State Health has allocated doses of the Pfizer vaccine – the only vaccine to receive emergency use authorization for individuals ages 5 to 17 – to select Penn State Health Medical Group practice locations in Berks, Centre, Cumberland, Dauphin and Lancaster counties for eligible individuals who fall within this age group. The parents or guardians can register for and schedule their vaccinations at vaccine-scheduler.pennstatehealth.org.
On Dec. 9, 2021, the FDA amended its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to allow a single booster dose to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in individuals who are 16 and 17 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the FDAs EAU on the same day and encouraged all who are eligible to get a booster shot.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany their minor child to the vaccination appointment and stay with the child throughout the vaccination process.
Fighting Flu Starts With You
Flu season and a continuing COVID-19 pandemic is a bad mix. The potential for sicker patients, an overburdened health care system and strained testing capabilities is real.
Protect yourself, your family, coworkers and patients by getting a flu shot. Health care workers should only decline the flu vaccine for a documented medical contraindication – a condition where the vaccine could cause harm.
Penn State Health and College of Medicine have set a flu vaccine compliance rate of 100%. This means:
- Employees will get the flu shot through Penn State Health or from another provider or clinic with written verification for Employee Health.
- Employees with a medical contraindication will fill out and submit the declination form.
Wearing the required mask for COVID-19 is not an acceptable reason to decline the influenza vaccination. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu vaccination information for health care workers to get the facts.
Hershey Medical Center
Flu shot clinic dates for Hershey Medical Center, Academic Support Building and Crystal A employees are on the Employee Health page of the Infonet. Schedule an appointment here.
Hershey will give a high-dose vaccine to employees more than 65 years old on Monday, Oct. 5, and Thursday, Oct. 22, or by appointment in the Employee Health office.
Consent forms are available outside the Employee Health office and at all appointment locations.
For additional information, contact Lori Bechtel at 717-561-8280.
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Who Is Eligible For A Third Dose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive third doses to ensure adequate protection against COVID-19. Not only are these individuals especially vulnerable to the illness, the two-dose series of the mRNA vaccines may not provide them with the same level of protection as it does for those who are not immunocompromised. Patients can receive a third dose 28 days after their second.
Will The Currently Available Vaccines Work With The Variant Strains Of The Virus
The virus that causes COVID-19 can mutate and change over time, picking up advantages over prior virus strains. This is what led to the emergence of the Delta variant, which is spread more easily from person-to-person, may cause more severe illness, and may cause more vaccine breakthrough infections than prior strains. New variants will continue to arise throughout the world, and some may be more dangerous than the Delta variant. By vaccinating as many people as possible, we can reduce the number of people who get infected and there will be less virus replication and fewer mutants. The Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been proven to be very effective in reducing the chance of severe illness and hospitalization as a result of getting COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant.
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