On-site, free flu shots begin Tuesday
October 12, 2015
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses, and that recommendation is heeded at Purdue.
"We recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot each year," says Dr. Carolyn Cooper, medical director at the Center for Healthy Living. "The influenza A and B viruses mutate over time, requiring a new formulation of the vaccine to be produced."
To make it easy and convenient for faculty and staff, the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue's West Lafayette campus will be providing seasonal flu shots at various locations starting Tuesday (Oct. 13). No appointment is needed.
* Oct. 13 (Tu) -- 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Birck Nanotechnology Center, Room 1001.
* Oct. 14 (W) -- 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 214 AB.
* Oct. 15 (Th) -- 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 214 AB.
* Oct. 28 (W) -- 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, Feature Gym (east entrance).
* Oct. 29 (Th) – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Lynn Hall of Veterinary Medicine, Room 1192 East & West.
* Nov. 2 (M) – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 218.
The Center for Healthy Living will be administering the Flucelvax, pre-filled syringe, trivalent. Those needing an alternative vaccine should see their provider.
Seasonal flu shots are provided at no charge to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff -- including those who have opted out of the Purdue medical plans -- attending these events. Spouses, same-sex domestic partners and adult dependents over age 18 who are covered on a Purdue medical plan are also eligible to attend and get a flu shot at no charge.
Employees will need to bring their Purdue University ID (PUID) card or their Anthem medical plan ID card.
Spouses and same-sex domestic partners (SSDPs) covered on a Purdue medical plan also are eligible to attend and receive a free flu shot. Spouses, SSDPs and adult dependents must bring their Anthem medical plan ID card to the flu shot event.
For those who cannot attend an on-campus flu shot event, 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.
According to Cooper, there is a misconception about the flu shot and getting the flu.
"The vaccine contains inactive virus, so you can't get the flu from the flu shot," she says. "You may feel a little 'flu-like' for a few days with some achiness and low-grade fever, but this is just your immune system responding to the vaccine. The vaccine is safe and a much better alternative than getting influenza."
Employees who have questions about flu shot coverage may contact Human Resources at 49-42222 or hr@purdue.edu.
