Get Your Flu Shot Before Winter Break
An increase in influenza, “flu,” activity has been detected nationally in recent weeks, and we have diagnosed a number of cases already this semester at Campus Health.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. This year, getting your flu vaccination is even more important. With both flu and COVID-19 circulating in our community this fall and winter, being vaccinated against influenza in addition to COVID-19 will help reduce the overall burden of respiratory diseases and help conserve health care resources.
Now is a great time to get vaccinated before you head off campus for winter break and see friends and family members.
Help prevent the spread of the flu on campus by recognizing the symptoms and staying at home. The flu spreads by coughing and sneezing and by touching infected surfaces. Someone with the flu can be infectious one day before symptoms and up to seven days after becoming ill. Learn more at flu.unc.edu.
This year, the University is once again partnering with Alana’s Foundation to track our campus participation in a national university competition. Anyone vaccinated at an on-campus pharmacy or flu clinic will have their vaccine counted for UNC-Chapel Hill.
COVID-19 Boosters Recommended
Now is also a great time to get your COVID-19 booster before you leave campus. The CDC announced this week that they recommend all adults 18 and over get a booster to increase their protection against COVID-19.
You are eligible for a booster if:
- You are 18 or older, and
- You received your second/final dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines more than SIX months ago, or
- You received your Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than TWO months ago.
Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available on a walk-in basis at Campus Health Pharmacy and Student Stores Pharmacy for faculty, staff and students. No appointment is necessary. Bring your insurance card (Medicare plans not accepted), and if receiving a COVID-19 booster, your COVID-19 vaccination card. Vaccinations are offered Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at both pharmacies. You can find off-campus vaccination clinics in your community at vaccines.gov.