Flu shots are now available at the University Health Center and are free for students.
All students are encouraged to get vaccinated this year. It is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and to help protect our Husker community.
How to get vaccinated
There are two ways to get your free flu shot:
- Make an appointment at the health center – Flu shot appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 402-472-5000 to schedule. For the safety of patients and staff, we require you to schedule an appointment in advance of your visit. Walk-ins will not be allowed this year.
- Attend an October student flu shot clinic – More information about these clinics will be shared in next week’s edition of Next@Nebraska. Check back for further details.
What to bring
Bring your NCard and a completed flu shot form with you to your appointment.
If you are 18 or younger
Parental permission is required for students who are 18 or younger to receive their flu shot. Health center staff can call a parent or guardian at check in or, if you are 18 years old, you may bring a completed Power of Attorney form with you to your appointment. If you already have a Power of Attorney form on file at the health center, there is no need to submit a duplicate form.
Power of Attorney forms are not valid for 17-year-olds. We must call a parent or guardian for permission to give you a flu shot at the time of check in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Will the flu shot protect me against COVID-19?
No, the flu shot does not protect against the coronavirus, yet it does have many important health benefits. It can reduce your risk of getting the flu, which can help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. Learn more from the CDC. - Why should I get vaccinated?
Influenza is a common but serious disease. Getting the flu could not only impact your academic pursuits, but in some cases lead to hospitalization and death. An annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others. Check out these flu shot benefits from the CDC. - When should I get vaccinated?
The CDC recommend people get vaccinated in September or October. Getting vaccinated later is still beneficial, even into January or later. Keep in mind, the shot takes two weeks to be effective. - How do flu shots work?
The flu shot creates antibodies that protect you against infection. The quadrivalent flu shot offered at the University Health Center protects against four common flu viruses. - Why do I need a flu shot annually?
A flu shot is needed every season because the body’s immune response to the shot declines over time and needs an annual shot to provide proper protection. It’s also important because flu viruses constantly change, and the flu shot is updated accordingly each year. - Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, a flu vaccine does not cause flu illness, but it can occasionally cause side effects such as a low grade fever, aches and soreness or swelling where the shot was given. However, these effects are short lasting and mild compared to the flu.
For more information about the flu or flu shots, visit the CDC website.
More details at: http://health.unl.edu/flu