It’s not too late to protect yourself from flu

National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 1-7, and there’s still time to roll up your sleeve and defend yourself from flu this season.

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

Nine staffers from the Division of Communications and Marketing made it a team effort when they got their flu vaccines Nov. 25 at Employee Health and Wellness.

“As members of the media relations team, we work in the hospital and clinical environment at times,” said Heather Henley, director of news and information at Augusta University. “It’s important to do all we can to not only protect ourselves from the flu, but also our patients and their families. It took less than 30 minutes for our group of nine to get their vaccines and get back to work.”

Free flu shots for staff are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Employee Health and Wellness, 1515 Pope Ave. The clinic is closed Nov. 28-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Appointments are not necessary, but bring your badge to get the vaccine. The deadline for staff to get vaccines is Monday, Dec. 2.

Students may walk in to the Student Health Clinic at any time and receive a vaccination for $10. Those who have the Student Health Insurance plan can get vaccinated at no charge.

In addition, Augusta University has joined the Alana Yaksich National College and University Flu Vaccine Challenge alongside more than 30 other universities from across the country. The goal of this annual challenge is to increase flu vaccination rates on college campuses.

Students and staff who receive flu shots at any location are encouraged to complete the brief flu shot survey. The competition runs through Dec. 6.

For more information on flu vaccines, call Employee Health and Wellness at 706-721-3418 or email Student Health Services.