Flu shots available to faculty, staff in October

Flu season is just around the corner. Benefits-eligible faculty, staff and retirees can prepare by getting a free flu shot on campus Oct. 5-9, Oct. 19 and Nov. 9.

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, Health Fitness, 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 four-strain, or quadrivalent, vaccine will be available on a limited basis at Rice on Oct. 5 and 9. The quadrivalent vaccine protects against an additional 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.

Flu shots will be administered at the following locations and times. No appointment is necessary.

Farnsworth Pavilion
Monday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Facilities Training Room
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

People covered by Rice’s health insurance who want the four-strain vaccine but are unable to get it on campus 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.