Flu Shots 2021 : 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

Consistent with recommendations by leading health experts and local health departments, we are asking all Billikens to get a flu shot this year. This expectation is consistent with your commitment to do your part to keep SLU healthy, safe, and open, and to keep your local community safe. You may already be required to get an annual flu vaccine as part of your clinical or educational program.

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.

Take the Next Steps

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

A consent form that addresses medical history, authorization to bill insurance, and more is required to receive the flu shot at Saint Louis University. There is no cost to students to receive the shot at an on-campus flu shot site. 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.

Download and Print

Save time by previewing and/or bringing a completed printed copy of the consent form with you to the flu shot site. You need information from your health insurance card to complete the form.

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.

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 City Department of Health's free flu Shot clinic finder for a listing.

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

Yes, you will receive a physical receipt after your flu shot. It can serve as documentation for compliance with clinical and educational 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 your commitment to keep SLU healthy, safe and open, as well as to keep your local community safe.

What about flu shots for faculty and staff?

Faculty and staff are encouraged to receive their flu shot at whatever location is most convenient to them, whether that is at SLU sponsored clinic or a community clinic.