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ICYMI: Flu shot offered on campus

By Caroline Dwyer Gilley

September 20, 2021

A person rolling up a sleeve to show a bandage after getting a shot

EDITOR’S NOTE: There is currently one remaining flu clinic scheduled in October.

Believe it or not, we are at the beginning of flu season again. This year, IU is strongly encouraging all staff, faculty and students to get an annual flu vaccine.

With rates of COVID-19 infection high across the country, it’s especially important to get a flu vaccine this year to help keep everyone healthy and reduce the strain on our health care system.

IU Bloomington is offering three flu shot clinics in September and October at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

When should I get my vaccine?

Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated by Friday, Nov. 19, before the week of Thanksgiving break. However, the sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner you will receive some protection against influenza.

How can I get a vaccine?

The on-campus clinics are for current IU Bloomington faculty and staff and enrolled students only; they are not open to spouses/partners or dependents of employees, or to retired faculty or staff.

The following clinics will take place at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall:

  • Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
  • Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12.
  • Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24.

Appointments are available for all three dates.

The clinics will be in the South Lobby of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Enter Gate 4 off 17th Street and park in the Orange Lot. ADA parking will be available directly south of Assembly Hall.

Bring a photo ID, wear a mask and wear a short-sleeved shirt for easy access to your upper arm. Please do not attend if you have any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.

What kind of vaccines will IU offer?

The IU Bloomington flu clinics will offer a preservative-free, quadrivalent, single-dose vaccine called Fluarix that is manufactured by GSK.

Neither the high-dose vaccine for those over 65 nor the eggless vaccine will be available at the IU Bloomington clinics. Staff, faculty or students who need those types of vaccines are encouraged to seek them through an in-network provider.

Where can I get a vaccine, and how much will it cost?

Flu vaccines are covered at no cost as preventive care for faculty and staff on all IU-sponsored health plans, whether the shot is received on campus or through an in-network provider in the community. Insurance information will be collected when you schedule an appointment.

If you are not on an IU-sponsored insurance plan, you will still be able to schedule an appointment and receive a flu shot at no cost to you.

If you cannot attend a clinic at IU Bloomington, suggestions for locations to receive a flu vaccine include:

  • Retail pharmacies: Check with your retail pharmacy for influenza shot availability. Employees, students and covered spouses/partners and dependents enrolled in IU-sponsored medical plans can receive the seasonal flu vaccine at no cost at in-network retail pharmacies, like CVS and Kroger.
  • Health care provider: In most cases, your primary-care provider can administer flu shots. Employees, students and covered spouses/partners and dependents enrolled on IU-sponsored medical plans can receive the seasonal flu vaccine at no cost through their in-network physician.

Who else connected to IU should get a flu vaccine?

Vendors and contractors who regularly work on IU campuses and in close proximity to the general campus population will be strongly encouraged to get an annual flu vaccine as well.

Caroline Dwyer Gilley is assurance communications manager in IU Studios.