Fight the Flu this Season by Getting Vaccinated on Campus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2014) — Coming down with the flu this season can cause missed days at work or school, and for some at-risk groups of people, life-threatening complications. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that every year 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts influenza.

Fortunately, everyone on the University of Kentucky's campus has the opportunity to take the single most effective step in preventing the flu: getting vaccinated. For all UK HealthCare workers, the flu vaccination is free and required. The vaccination costs $10 for regular students and is free for students with the AHP/United student insurance plan. Campus employees can purchase an on-site flu vaccination for $20. Students and employees must present a campus ID.

Campus employees and students can stop in at one of the following clinics for a vaccination:

·         Oct. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Center Room 206

·         Oct. 8, 5 - 10 p.m. in the Johnson Center Lobby  

·         Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the University Health Service First Floor Lobby

·         Oct. 21, 5 - 9 p.m. in W.T. Young Gallery Room

·         Oct. 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the University Health Service First Floor Lobby

·         Oct. 29, 5 - 9 p.m. in the W.T. Young Gallery Room

UK HealthCare employees can receive their free vaccination during one of the following clinics:

·         Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the University Health Service Room 130

·         Oct. 12, 5 - 9 p.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 13 - 14, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 15, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 16, 12 - 4 p.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 19, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Chandler North Lobby

·         Oct. 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Alumni Court

·         Oct. 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Fountain Court

·         Oct. 30, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Pavilion A Ground Floor Entrance

·         Oct. 31, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.  at the Good Samaritan Hospital B132

·         Nov. 3, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Hospital B132

·         Nov. 5, 2 - 6 p.m.  at the Good Samaritan Hospital B132

UK HealthCare employees must present a medical center ID to receive their vaccination. The deadline to report a required vaccination is Jan. 1, 2015. If a UK HealthCare employee has already received a vaccination from a clinic outside the university, they should report the vaccination here. To inquire about a declination form or other special accommodations, contact laharg3@uky.edu.

Influenza is a respiratory virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Flu season begins in October and typically peaks between December and February, with cases occurring through May. Because a vaccinated person's protective antibodies against the flu decline throughout the year, a flu shot must be renewed at the beginning of every season for the best protection. 

While many different strains of influenza exist, researchers design the vaccine to protect against the main flu viruses predicted to cause the most illness throughout the season. Still, the CDC advises everyday preventative actions, such as washing hands and staying away from sick people.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu