Flu Shots 2020 : SLU

#FightFlu at Saint Louis University

Seasonal flu is a serious, highly-contagious respiratory illness and its symptoms overlap with COVID-19. On college campuses, influenza viruses are known to circulate rapidly every year usually between October and May. Flu-like symptoms can result in isolation while awaiting COVID-19 or influenza test results.

Schedule an Appointment

Our Expectation

Saint Louis University students are expected to get a flu vaccine as part of the COVID-19 pandemic Campus Commitment. You may already be required to get an annual flu vaccine as part of your clinical or educational program. Exemptions will be granted upon request.

Available at No Cost to You

Students and employees can receive a flu shot at one of our on-campus sites for free. If you are insured, your health insurance plan will reimburse the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis, a non-profit agency that is partnering with Saint Louis University to administer your flu shot. Students who do not have health insurance will also receive the flu shot at no cost.

Choose Your Next Step

I want to get the flu vaccine at an on-campus site.

Step One: Choose a time and location.

Note: Walk-ins are always welcome too. An appointment is recommended, but not required.

Schedule an Appointment

Step Two: Download and complete the consent and insurance forms.

You will need your health insurance card. Forms will also be available at the flu shot site.

Step Three: Arrive at your scheduled time.

The vaccine is given in the upper arm, so please wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to roll up your sleeve. Bring your health insurance card, or photo of your heath insurance card, with you.

I do not want to get a flu vaccine this year.

Students should complete the online exemption form. The information is used to track progress toward campus-wide goals for flu vaccination.

Let us know you received a flu vaccine from an off-campus provider (e.g., health department, pharmacy, clinic, hospital).

Complete this online form. The information is used to track progress toward campus-wide goals for flu vaccination.

FAQ

Do I have to pay for the flu vaccine?

No. There is no charge to you. Your health insurance company will be billed for the service. Per federal law, health insurance companies are required to cover flu vaccination. If you do not have health insurance, Saint Louis University will take care of all fees for your flu vaccine.

I cannot find my health insurance card. What do I do?

It's okay. Get your flu shot. You will be able to submit health insurance information afterward. The nurse will give you instructions on how to do that.

I have an egg allergy. Can I still get a flu shot on-campus?

Yes. Studies show that flu vaccines can be safely administered to egg-allergic individuals. The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics state that no special precautions are required for the administration of influenza vaccine to egg-allergic patients no matter how severe the egg allergy. The CDC states that people with a history of egg allergy of any severity should receive any licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate influenza vaccine.

Is a preservative-free flu shot available at the on-campus flu shot sites?

Yes. Nurses at the on-campus flu shot site will ask if you have a medical condition or allergy that requires use of a preservative-free vaccine.

Is a nasal spray vaccine available too?

No. We are offering the flu vaccination by injection.

I cannot make one of the times offered on-campus. Where should I go to get a flu shot?

Flu shots are offered at many convenient locations across the St. Louis region, including pharmacies at Target, Walmart, Dierberg's, Walgreens and CVS. The health systems and public health departments in St. Louis City and Saint Louis County are offering free flu shots during October. Visit the St. Louis Regional Health Commission for a listing. If you choose an off-campus provider, please report that you received your flu shot.

Will I get a receipt or documentation of the flu shot?

Yes. You will receive an email receipt immediately after your flu shot. It can serve as documentation for compliance with clinical and educational programs requirements for annual flu vaccination. You are responsible for submitting the documentation.

Do I have to get a flu shot?

If you are a student in the School of Nursing, Doisy College of Health Sciences or School of Medicine, you are likely required to get an annual flu vaccine as part of your clinical program requirements. Getting a flu shot for most other students is voluntary and expected as part of the COVID-19 pandemic Campus Commitment.

What about flu shots for faculty and staff?

The Office of Employee Health will be offering flu shot clinics for all employees on seven dates through October and November with additional dates in October for SLUCare employees.

Learn More About Employee Flu Shots

Community Support

The distribution of thousands of flu shots to Saint Louis University students is made possible by the support and hard work of many volunteers, student organizations and campus leaders, including:

Tyler De Shon, Ph.D., School of Medicine
Renee Jonas, M.A., Student Health Center
Jeffery L. Jackson, Ph.D., Associate Provost, Career Services Center
Michael Lewis, Ph.D., Interim Provost

Debra Lohe, Ph.D., Interim Vice President of Student Development
Chad Miller, M.D., Associate Dean, School of Medicine
Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College for Public Health
Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity and Community

Flu Shots 2020