Flu shot deadline set for Dec. 1

With flu season overlapping the COVID-19 pandemic, AU Health officials warn this combination of highly contagious respiratory illnesses could result in an unprecedented health crisis.

To better protect our patients, students, families, and staff from influenza, annual flu shots are mandatory for AU Health employees and for university faculty, staff, vendors and volunteers who perform work inside the medical center and all health clinics.

Augusta University Health employees in need of scheduling a flu shot have until the close of business Tuesday, Dec. 1, to receive their mandatory vaccination. Flu shots will be provided at Employee Health and Wellness, and be sure to bring your completed Influenza Vaccination Screening and Immunization form as well as your badge when you go to get your vaccine. Download employee vaccination forms ahead of your visit.

Flu and flu-like illness include fever of 100 degrees or higher or any of the following:

• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

As a reminder, Augusta University Health’s Work Restriction Policy requires employees and students to stay home if they are sick until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medication. Below are more precautions to help curb the spread of the flu virus on campus and in the community:

• Practice appropriate hand hygiene: wash with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly mucous membranes like the nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Contact your care provider by phone for possible antivirals for the very young, those over the age of 65 or those with chronic medical conditions.
• Sick household members should stay away from common areas of the home.
• Designate a clean and sick bathroom, if you have more than one available.
• Clean the sick room and sick bathroom daily with disinfectant.
• Clean linens, eating utensils and dishes quickly after use by an ill housemate.

In addition, it is recommended that you wear a surgical mask during and up to five days after caring for someone with flu or flu-like illness.

For more information on flu shot opportunities or concerns about the mandatory influenza vaccination policy, call Employee Health and Wellness at 706-721-3418. For weekly updates on the influenza virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s flu page and learn the difference between COVID-19 and flu symptoms.

Read more about why the flu vaccine is important for all ages in our Children’s Hospital of Georgia blog.