Walk-in flu vaccination clinics (no appointment required) for the seasonal flu begin Sept. 10 at the University Health Center from 9 to 11 a.m. Flu shots are free for UNL students paying UPFF facility fees and $30 for faculty and staff. UHC will file Blue Cross Blue Shield claims for faculty and staff members under the wellness benefit. You must have your insurance card at the time of vaccination in order to file a claim for Blue Cross Blue Shield only. If you have used up your wellness benefit for the 2012 coverage period, you will be sent a bill from UHC.
The clinics are held at UHC (1500 U St) on the following dates:
•Mondays: Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1
•Tuesdays: Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 9
UHC will also offer flu shots at the Wellness on Wheels Health Fairs, including Oct. 24 at the East Campus Union from 7 to 9 a.m.
Forms are available on-line for you to complete prior to the flu shot clinics to speed up the process. If you are unable to make one of the clinics, you can make an appointment at 402-472-5000. Nasal-spray (FluMist) is available by appointment only.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by the influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract. A highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs, the virus is spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu season in the United States is typically from November through April each year. Flu symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, extreme fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Although the term "stomach flu" is often used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses, this is caused by other organisms and is not related to influenza. It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone.
UHC does recommend that you get an influenza vaccination to help fight off the flu, particularly those with asthma, diabetes, chronic illness or respiratory conditions. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the vaccination and may last up to a year. The influenza vaccination will not protect you from other viruses including West Nile.
"The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone get a flu shot as soon as they become available," said Nathan Haecker, M.D., chief of staff at UHC. "Your best defense this flu season is to take the time to get a flu shot."
More details at: http://events.unl.edu/2012/09/10/70571/