It’s that time of the year to get your flu vaccine!
What you need to know:
1. Why get vaccinated?
The “flu” or the Influenza virus is a contagious disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. By getting the flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading influenza to others. If you have these symptoms make sure to cover your cough (use the inside of your elbow), use a tissue, and most importantly: wash your hands! (For about 10 to 15 seconds — about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”)
2. Who should get vaccinated?
All people 6 months of age and older, especially those that are in close contact with others such as healthcare professionals (nursing students!)
Those that should not get inactivated influenza vaccine or should wait are:
- People with any severe (life-threatening) allergies, including a severe allergy to eggs.
- Those that have ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine.
You can get more information from the http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf
3. Where can you get a flu vaccine?
Student Health Center at SFSU:
The Flu vaccine will be available when SHS receives the supply (usually October or November) during the SHS Immunization Clinics. You must bring SFSU picture ID. Services will be charged to the client’s Bursar Account, and it costs $20.
The SHS Immunization hours are :
Wednesdays 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fridays 8:30 am – 11:15 am
No advance appointments available; first come, first served.
Walgreens Pharmacy Clinic:
If you do not have insurance, it will cost $31.99. Walk-in’s are welcome or you can schedule an appointment online. To locate your nearest Walgreen’s pharmacy, visit their website: http://www.walgreens.com/topic/health-shops/flu-shots.jsp
Anthem Blue Cross Members:
If you want to receive the flu vaccine, contact your physician to schedule an appointment: http://www.anthem.com/health-insurance/home/overview
Kaiser Members:
Call the Kaiser flu shot hotline 1-800-573-5811 for locations and times.
Kaiser will be having Flu Clinics on the dates and locations below:
Adults:
Monday – Friday, October 3rd – October 14th from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2238 Geary St. in the 1st Floor Lobby Area
Monday – Friday, October 17th – October 28th from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2238 Geary St. in the 1st Floor Lobby Area
Monday – Friday, October 31st – November 11th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2238 Geary St. in the 1st Floor Lobby Area
Monday – Friday, during the month of October, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2200 O’Farrell St.
For information about the flu vaccine and other clinics in San Francisco:
http://www.sfcdcp.org/IZlocations.html#flulocations