As the flu season approaches amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts are stressing it’s more important than ever for people to get an influenza vaccination.
And although influenza’s disease burden varies from year to year, evidence clearly shows that vaccination can reduce severity of the disease and prevent hospitalizations, which are critical considerations at a time when healthcare systems are facing challenges related to COVID-19.
To promote the health and safety of our campus community, WVU is encouraging all students, faculty and staff to get an influenza vaccination this fall.
In addition to getting a flu shot from your primary care provider, options for students, faculty and staff will include drive-thru and on-campus vaccination clinics.
Drive-Thru Flu Vaccination
Students, employees (and employees’ dependent family members) and retirees who are residents of Monongalia and Preston counties are encouraged to take advantage of the drive-thru flu shots offered by WVU Medicine at its University Town Centre clinic now through Saturday, Nov. 14.
The drive-thru is by appointment only and is open Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To make an appointment, call 855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273). Patients who already are scheduled to see their primary care provider for a routine visit can receive their flu shot at the same time.
On-Campus Flu Vaccination
Students, faculty and staff who are on campus can receive their flu shot on select days beginning Thursday, Oct. 8, through Friday, Oct. 20, at the WVU Student Recreation Center.
Availability will be limited, and you will have to register in advance for your preferred appointment date/time. Registration will open next week, so stay tuned to ENEWS and UNEWS for the latest.
In the meantime, the schedule for on-campus flu shots will be:
Thursday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional On-Campus (Health Sciences) Flu Vaccination
WVU Medicine Student Health will offer a flu shot clinic at Health Sciences for students, faculty and staff on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay tuned for additional details.
The School of Pharmacy also will offer multiple flu shot clinics for faculty and staff throughout October in a tent in the Health Sciences gardens. More information will be shared soon, but the schedule will be:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, from noon to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, from noon to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.
Further, students, faculty and staff can receive flu vaccinations through Student Health Services and Urgent Care locations at the Health and Education Building.
Flu shots are a fully covered service under PEIA and The Health Plan for insured employees, spouses and dependent family members. Flu shots also are covered for students under the Aetna Student Health insurance plan. Those not insured through these providers may bill their insurance. Note: Cash payment will not be accepted.
If you currently are in quarantine due to an exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you should wait until after you are cleared from quarantine before getting your flu vaccination. Further, you should reschedule your appointment if you are not feeling well or exhibiting COVID-19 symptomson your scheduled vaccination day — regardless of whether you choose the drive-thru or on-campus option.
Stay tuned to ENEWS and UNEWS for updates on the on-campus flu shot registration. Students should contact Student Health at 304-285-7200 with any questions. Employees should contact WVU Shared Services at 304-293-6006 or sharedservices@mail.wvu.edu.