Flu Vaccination Clinics on Campus
September 17, 2021
Dear University Community Members:
I write today because, once again, the SLU community needs your help.
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.
And thank you. Thank you for choosing every day to embrace our public health precautions and to keep all members of our campus and local communities healthy. The flu vaccine is just another way we can demonstrate our commitment to being persons for others.
Let’s do our part for #OneSLU #NoFLU #FightFLU!
Why do we expect Billikens to get a flu shot?
While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, maximizing influenza vaccinations among our student body and employees will help to keep campus safe. For example, it will reduce the impact on the Student Health Center, Employee Health and the local health system in St. Louis while these critical health care teams continue to care for those suffering from COVID-19.
Note: Many students and employees are already required to get an annual flu vaccine as part of a clinical or educational program requirement.
Which vaccine(s) will be available?
We will be providing quadrivalent (four-component) flu vaccine this year. This vaccine is usually preserved for those over the age of 65 and other high-risk groups, but is the only vaccine available this year. We also will offer a preservative-free vaccine for pregnant women.
Can I receive the flu vaccine at the same time or near the same time that I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. You can receive the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should speak with a health care provider.
So, how do I get a flu shot?
Saint Louis University will be offering on-campus flu shots for all students, staff and faculty at multiple times and locations during September and October.
The first flu vaccination clinics are on Wednesday, September 22, and Tuesday, September 28th. Visit www.slu.edu/ScheduleMyFluShot to schedule a time and location that works well for you. Walk-ins are also welcome.
It’s pretty easy — just schedule your flu shot, complete the Consent and Insurance form (download the printable form here) or pick up a paper copy at the information desks in Busch Student Center, Simon Recreation Center and at the main circulation desk at Pius Library), and show up!
Note: You will need your insurance card to complete the form. Having all of this done prior to your vaccination appointment will speed up the process. No health insurance? Your flu shot is on us.
Will it cost me anything?
If you get your flu shot on campus during one of our vaccination clinics, we can guarantee there will be no cost to you.
Your health insurance plan will reimburse the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis, a non-profit agency that is partnering with SLU to administer your flu shot.
And if you do not have health insurance — or if your health plan does not cover this expense — the flu shot will be provided at no cost to you. Last year, SLU paid the cost of flu shots for more than 550 members of our community.
What else?
If you have questions about getting your flu shot, you can email fightflu@slu.edu or read more about it at the CDC website. We will also have a dedicated website about flu vaccination coming soon.
Stay safe and be well.
Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., RN, CIC, FAPIC
Special Assistant to the President
Director, Institute for Biosecurity
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
College for Public Health and Social Justice