UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Flu season is quickly approaching, and with influenza viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 expected to be circulating at the same time, it is especially important to get a flu vaccine this year. The initiative #FightFluPSU by Penn State University Health Services (UHS) brings awareness and educates students on the flu as well as promotes the UHS student flu vaccine clinics. The clinics are by appointment only and run through Nov. 10 in Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center at University Park.
“The symptoms of influenza viruses have a resemblance to symptoms of COVID-19, so the flu vaccine will be more important than ever this year,” said Valerie Fulton, infectious disease manager at UHS. “Influenza symptoms can keep you bedridden for a week or more. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect you against getting an influenza infection.”
The cost of this year’s vaccine is $25, billable to insurance or the student’s Bursar account. Although most insurances cover the cost, to make sure students have access to the vaccine, the Student Fee Board has allocated funds to cover the cost of the flu vaccine for more than 4,500 students, and approximately 2,500 free flu shots remain available.
The remaining UHS flu vaccine clinics will be held on the following dates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Alumni Hall in the HUB:
- Thursday, Oct. 15
- Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Thursday, Oct. 22
- Monday, Oct. 26
- Thursday, Oct. 29
- Tuesday, Nov. 10
Students must schedule an appointment via myUHS in advance to receive a flu vaccine during any of the clinics; students at Commonwealth Campus locations are encouraged to contact their on-campus health service, if applicable, or a local provider to inquire about clinics in their area.
Getting vaccinated during the pandemic is crucial to conserving scarce health care resources, managing the cases on campus, and keeping the community healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the importance of getting the flu shot in order to protect yourself and those in your community.
Students attending the flu vaccine clinic are asked to complete a short series of pre-visit requirements. Students must complete:
- The Consent to Treat
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Student Account Billing
- Financial Aid Statement in myUHS
Additionally, students are expected to upload their health insurance information. UHS will bill in-network health insurance providers for the cost of the vaccine; students who are uninsured, have out-of-network coverage, and/or do not supply insurance information will be billed to their Bursar account if the Student Fee Board allocation does not cover their vaccine. Students with insurance needs or questions should visit https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/insurance-advocate. Payment and insurance information will not be collected at the clinics. On the day of the appointment, students must bring their Penn State ID.
For more information on the flu clinics and the #FightFluPSU campaign, visit the UHS flu clinic webpage.