Seasonal Flu Shots

* For Students: FREE. Offered in the fall semester October 5, 6 , and October 19, 20, 2011.  11 am-3 pm for students. Same dates for faculty/staff 3-4:30pm.
*  FACULTY AND STAFF : $30.oo Cash please. Walker Health Center. See dates above. Time 3-4:30pm. Since insurance often covers the first dollar of vaccines, you should check with your carrier and you may be able to receive the vaccine free through your healthcare provider.  CDC recommends individuals 65 yrs. and older should receive Fluzone High Dose vaccine that is covered by Medicare part B. Check with your healthcare provider about availability.

Who should get a seasonal flu shot? CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine and especially people who:

* want to avoid contracting seasonal influenza;
* work in child care or work in a nursing home;
* are immunocompromised from disease or medication;
* have chronic disease such as asthma, diabetes or heart, liver or lung disease;

Note: pregnant women are at risk for complications related to influenza. These individuals need to discuss whether they should receive flu vaccine with their OB/GYN provider. Pregnant women should receive thimerosal free vaccine.

Who should NOT get a flu shot? People who...

* had an allergic reaction to flu vaccine in the past;
* are allergic to eggs or chickens;
* developed Guillian-Barre syndrome, a rare, serious autoimmune disease of the nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord. If you have had this disease after flu vaccine you are more likely to get it again;
* have a fever right now. When your fever is gone you can return for flu vaccine.

FYI... In the United States over 36,000 people die of Seasonal Flu every year. You should protect yourself by getting a free seasonal flu shot and you will also help to protect those around you.