NC State will offer free flu shots to eligible employees starting Oct. 1. Employees who visit the pop-up clinics where shots will be administered should prepare to follow new safety protocols as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
University Human Resources will host clinics in outdoor tents this year rather than inside buildings. To receive a shot, you will be required to make an appointment and wear a face covering during your visit.
This year more than ever we encourage everyone to get their flu vaccination, especially with the risks presented by COVID-19 and the flu circulating simultaneously
UHR’s flu clinics will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m on the following dates:
- Oct. 14 and 29 outside Case Dining Hall.
- Oct. 6 and 21 at Fountain Dining Hall.
- Oct. 8 in the green space near the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Employees will be able to go under the tents, get their flu shots, appropriately distance and then go back to their vehicles,” said Britt Hurst, NC State’s wellness and recognition program manager. “We want to make this as easy and as safe as possible for our employees to access.”
Hurst said the number of people allowed under the tents at any given time will be limited in accordance with physical distancing guidelines and NC State’s community standards. She said employees who are working remotely are encouraged to get their shots at a pharmacy or their health care provider’s office.
The flu season starts in the fall, peaks between December and February, and can last until May. Health experts are concerned this influenza season could be particularly complicated due to the flu and COVID-19 spreading simultaneously.
The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. They share some of the same symptoms, including a fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat, which may make telling the difference between them difficult. You can learn the differences and similarities between the flu and COVID-19 by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
“This year more than ever we encourage everyone to get their flu vaccination, especially with the risks presented by COVID-19 and the flu circulating simultaneously,” Hurst said.
All members of the State Health Plan, their covered dependents (save for those younger than 18) and retired State Health Plan members younger than 65 are eligible to receive a free flu shot.
In past years, NC State has offered free flu shots to all covered dependents. As a safety precaution this year, the clinics will not provide flu shots to anyone under 18 years old.
Faculty and staff also can receive flu shots at Student Health Services. For more information, visit the Student Health Services website.
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