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Flu Shots 2024

Flu Shots at SLU 2024

#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.  

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Annual flu shots continue to be important.

The best protection against influenza is the flu vaccine. And we strongly recommend that everyone who is medically able obtain a flu vaccine in the coming weeks.

Many SLU students and employees are already required to get an annual flu vaccine as part of a clinical or educational program requirement. 

Why get a flu shot?

Getting a flu shot will dramatically reduce your chances of being knocked down by influenza for several days. 

It also reduces your risk of exhibiting flu-like symptoms that can be confused for COVID-19, RSV or other viral illnesses. Testing is the only way to determine whether you have COVID or the flu. 

It is also possible to be co-infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, increasing the risk of having a severe illness that could prevent you from being able to attend class or work for an extended period of time.

While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, maximizing influenza vaccinations among our students and employees will help to keep campus safe, and reduce the burden on health care personnel in the Student Health Center, at SLUCare clinics and in the local hospital system.

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 this semester. Schedule your appointment online.

Please complete the consent form in advance to help reduce your clinic wait time. Paper copies are available at the information desks in Busch Student Center, Simon Recreation Center and at the main circulation desk in Pius Library. Consent forms will be available for walk-in appointments. You will need to refer to your health insurance card to complete the form. 

No health insurance? Your flu shot is on us.

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 health 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. Many health systems and public health departments in St. Louis City and Saint Louis County offer free flu shots. 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 keeping 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.

May members of my family get their flu shot at SLU?

Yes, as long as they can provide proof of health insurance. Please make sure that they register for an appointment and bring their health insurance card with them, to complete the required consent form.  SLU will not vaccinate a family member who is unable to provide their current proof of insurance at the time of their appointment.

Can I receive the flu vaccine at the same time or near the same time that I get the new COVID-19 vaccine?  

Yes, you can receive the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, at or near the same time, at local community clinics and pharmacies.