Flu shots available Nov. 9

Benefits-eligible faculty, staff and retirees have one more opportunity to prepare for flu season by getting a free flu shot on campus Nov. 9 in Farnsworth Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Nonbenefits-eligible faculty and staff and all spouses and domestic partners can also get the three-strain flu vaccine for $27.50 or the four-strain vaccine for $36 by paying for the shot at the time of administration. (Payment must be made by check or money order made payable to Rice University; cash will not be accepted.)

Rice’s new wellness partner, HealthFitness, will provide the flu shots. The vaccines will be three-strain, or trivalent, which will protect against two influenza A viruses (H1H1 and H3N2) and one influenza B virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most important step in protecting against influenza. After vaccination, the body needs about two weeks to develop the antibodies that provide protection against the flu.

People covered by Rice’s health insurance who want the four-strain vaccine should contact their primary care physician or local pharmacy for availability. They also can use their pharmacy benefit for a free vaccine at any Envision network pharmacy.

Additional information about seasonal flu shots for Rice employees is available at http://people.rice.edu/FluShots.aspx.