The University of Alabama is helping faculty, staff and students protect themselves from the flu with free flu shots on campus.
Now in its 13th year, the annual UA Flu Shot Campaign, led by the University’s College of Community Health Sciences, kicked off Sept. 3.
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that causes mild to severe illness, and serious consequences of flu infection can result in hospitalization and at times can even lead to death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The peak of flu season is rapidly approaching,” said Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer for University Medical Center, which is operated by CCHS. “Already, we have been seeing cases of the flu, so now is the time to get vaccinated.”
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk for serious complications from the flu, including: children younger than 5 years, especially children younger than 2 years; adults 65 years of age and older; pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum; people with certain chronic health conditions; and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
“Flu infects young and old alike and can cause you to miss work or school for days,” Weida said. “Everyone should be vaccinated against the flu. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’”
During the Flu Shot Campaign, which runs through mid-November, flu vaccines are provided to UA students and employees – at no cost and with no health insurance required – at sites across campus, including the Quad, University buildings and student residence halls. Free flu shots are also available for retired UA faculty and staff.
Nurses from UMC, the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy, also operated by CCHS, and the Capstone College of Nursing administer the flu shots. WellBAMA is also a flu shot campaign partner.
In addition to the pop-up clinics on campus, students can also visit the SHCP and UA employees can visit the Faculty-Staff Clinic at UMC to get free flu shots.
Vaccinations are also available to dependents of UA employees. Children of employees with UA health insurance can receive flu vaccinations at UMC, and children of employees with non-UA health insurance can also receive flu shots at UMC if their insurance has approved nurse practitioner coverage. Spouses of employees can also receive the free flu vaccine at campus flu shot sites or at UMC.
Click here for upcoming flu shot site dates, times and locations.