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Influenza Vaccination at UHS

University Health Services is currently offering seasonal flu shots for all registered UW–Madison students. These vaccinations are free and are available without an appointment at the main UHS location or satellite clinics in the residence halls. (For schedule and more details, please see below.)

Unfortunately, due to a nationwide delay in shipments of H1N1 vaccine, UHS cannot yet offer H1N1 vaccinations to all students. As soon as we receive a resupply, we will alert students as to clinic locations and times.

UHS did receive one very limited shipment of vaccine, which is being distributed according to Wisconsin Department of Health Services instructions.

H1N1 vaccination is currently available at the main UHS location to UW students who fall into the following categories:

Pregnant women

Students (regardless of age) with “high-risk” medical conditions, including asthma or other chronic lung disease; cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; suppressed immune system; or kidney, liver, neurological, or blood disorders, including sickle-cell anemia

Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers)

Health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material

Seasonal Flu Shot Information
All students who want to reduce their chances of getting seasonal influenza are encouraged to get vaccinated. Students who have chronic conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, or immune disorders—that may put them at increased risk for complications of influenza are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot every year.

Please note: The seasonal flu vaccination does not protect against the H1N1 strain of influenza ("swine flu").

Why get a seasonal flu shot?
In a University of Minnesota study, more than one-third of college students said they had experienced an influenza-like illness during the academic year. They reported that their illness had resulted in missed classes and work, poor performance on tests and assignments, and needing to seek health care.

Last year a record 8,600 students got vaccinated against flu at UHS.

Who can get a flu shot?
You are eligible for a flu shot if you are currently registered as a degree or special student at UW–Madison. (Guest students, faculty, and staff are not eligible.)

You must be feeling healthy on the day you come for a flu shot.

There are some individuals who should consult a physician before being vaccinated. These include:

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
People who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine in the past.

For more information about influenza and the influenza vaccine, please read the info here.

Where and when?
UHS’s Flu Shot Clinic is at 333 East Campus Mall, 6th floor, Green Clinic. There is no charge, and you don’t need an appointment. Just bring your student ID to UHS any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Satellite clinics in residence halls
Any student with a valid ID may attend these; you don’t have to live in that particular res hall to get in line.

All Flu Shot Clinics listed below are from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Thursday, Nov. 19, Holt Commons, Lower Franks

FluMist nasal spray
For students who dread the needle, UHS will have a limited supply of FluMist—an influenza vaccine administered as a nasal spray. Because it’s more expensive than the shots, FluMist will cost $5 per student, payable at time of vaccination. FluMist will only be available at the main UHS location, not at the satellite clinics. To learn more about FluMist, ask at UHS, or see the manufacturer’s website here.

top of page | story updated 11/18/09

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