Free flu shots to be available in October, November

The Center for Healthy Living is providing free flu shots for all benefits-eligible employees, spouses/same-sex domestic partners (SSDPs) and adult dependents over age 18 who are covered on a Purdue medical plan at the West Lafayette campus.

Shots are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12 through Nov. 1 at various locations around campus. Appointments are not needed; just walk in when it's convenient during the days and times the shots are being offered. The patient's Purdue ID or Anthem medical plan ID card is required.

The Center for Healthy Living will be administering the Novartis Fluvirin, trivalent, pre-filled syringe injectable (trace preservative: thimerosal). Those needing an alternative vaccine should see their provider.

If employees can't make it to any of the dates on campus, there are other options.

* Retail pharmacies: For your convenience, Anthem has provided a list of participating pharmacies. Be sure all flu shots are billed through each person's Anthem medical plan.

* Health care provider: In most cases, your primary care provider can administer flu shots. All Purdue medical plans cover the seasonal flu vaccine for employees and covered dependents. 

"Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, and the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated," says Dr. Carolyn Cooper, medical director at the Center for Healthy Living. "We recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot each year as the influenza A and B viruses mutate over time, requiring a new formulation of the vaccine to be produced."

Employees who have questions about the flu shots may contact Human Resources at 49-42222 or hr@purdue.edu.