According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent influenza is to receive a seasonal flu shot.
There are many ways for U-M faculty, staff and students — and their family members — to receive that protection on campus this year.
MHealthy, in collaboration with Michigan Visiting Care, is conducting walk-in flu shot clinics at convenient locations for Central, North and South campus faculty and staff only.
Campus flu shot clinics are scheduled for:
• Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Michigan Union Anderson Room
• Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m., Michigan League Kalamazoo Room
• Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Pierpont Commons East Room
“Influenza-related absenteeism is estimated to average two to seven days per ill employee and symptoms can last for several weeks,” says Dr. Robert Winfield, chief health officer. “By offering these mass flu shot clinics, the university hopes to maximize the uptake of its employee population receiving an annual flu shot year after year.”
For those who work at the Health System, there are new requirements this year designed to protect patients: Many faculty, staff, students and others working in Health System facilities will now be required to receive flu vaccine, or wear a mask during patient interactions during flu season. All information about these new requirements, and the many different ways Health System community members can receive the vaccine, is available at www.med.umich.edu/u/flu.
Health System faculty and staff, and U-M medical, nursing and pharmacy students who will be training in clinical areas of the Health System during flu season, will be able to receive vaccine without charge if they present their MCard ID.
At the MHealthy clinics, campus employees covered under a U-M health insurance plan will not pay an out-of-pocket fee if their health insurance card is presented. The cost of the flu shot will be charged directly to U-M insurance plans. Employees not covered under an accepted insurance plan can receive a flu shot at U-M’s discounted rate of $25 per person, payable by cash, check or credit card.
For employees unable to attend one of the mass flu shot clinics offered by MHealthy, University Health Service also is holding by-appointment flu shot clinics through Nov. 1. Appointments can be made online at www.uhs.umich.edu/fluvaccination. And Michigan Visiting Care will offer walk-in clinics at selected U-M outpatient care centers and at locations in the community; schedules for these are available at www.med.umich.edu/flu.
Receiving a flu shot also qualifies as one activity for this year’s MHealthy Rewards program.
“MHealthy Rewards participants, who are looking for another activity to meet their Rewards requirement and haven’t already submitted a flu shot or preventive exam for credit, can submit their flu shot as one of their healthy activities towards earning their $100 before-tax incentive,” says LaVaughn Palma-Davis, senior director of University Health & Well-Being Services.
After receiving a flu vaccination, MHealthy Rewards participants can self-report the activity at forms.mhealthy.org/node/20/stamp through Dec. 3.
For more information on campus flu shot clinics, go to www.MHealthy.umich.edu/flu, e-mail [email protected] or call 734-975-3061.
For more information on flu shots for Health System community members, go to www.med.umich.edu/u/flu.
