Purdue community readies to fight the flu; designated campus locations, flu shot events scheduled

As communities across the nation prepare to fight the flu, the Purdue community is no exception.

Through a multi-facility collaboration, employees and students have even more access to flu vaccines this year on Purdue's West Lafayette campus. The Center for Healthy Living, Purdue Pharmacy, the Nursing Center for Family Health and the Purdue University Student Health Center -- all on Purdue's West Lafayette campus -- will be providing flu shots. All benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan as well as Purdue students are able to acquire their flu shots at their respective on-campus locations as well as flu shot events campus-wide.

Seasonal flu shots are provided at no charge to all benefits-eligible Purdue faculty and staff, as well as spouses and adult dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan.

Seasonal flu shots are provided for $33 to Purdue students. Students who provide proof of insurance at the time of vaccine will have the cost billed to their insurance company. Those who do not provide proof of insurance will have the cost added to their Bursar bill. The first 1,000 flu vaccines provided to students by the Purdue Pharmacy will be free of charge courtesy of a Student Fee Advisory Board grant.

Everyone coming for a flu shot, regardless of location, should bring their Purdue University ID (PUID) card or their Anthem medical plan ID card.

DESIGNATED FLU SHOT LOCATIONS

Center for Healthy Living, 1400 W. State St., Building B, Suite C

* Open 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

* Serving faculty, staff, covered adult dependents and minors.

* CHL will be administering the Fluzone quadrivalent vaccine, which is designed to protect against four different flu viruses -- two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses -- and is approved for anyone age 3 or older. Those needing an alternative vaccine should see their provider.

Purdue Pharmacy, 575 Stadium Mall Drive

* Open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

* Serving students, faculty, staff, covered adult dependents.

* Purdue Pharmacy will be administering the Afluria Quadrivalent Pre-filled Syringes vaccine. These are preservative-free and latex-free.

Nursing Center for Family Health, 715 Clinic Drive

* Serving students, faculty, staff, covered adult dependents.

* By appointment only. Call 765-496-0308.

* Nursing Center for Family Health will be administering the Fluarix QIV PFS vaccine as well as the Fluzone quadrivalent vaccine.

Purdue University Student Health Center, 601 W. Stadium Ave.

* Serving students and covered adult dependents of students.

* By appointment only via the patient portal or phone at 765-494-1700.

* PUSH will be administering the Fluarix QIV PFS vaccine.

Patients can simply stop by one of the locations above to receive their flu shots. Appointments are not required except for at PUSH and the Nursing Center for Family Health.

ON-CAMPUS FLU SHOT EVENTS

Shots also are available Oct. 9-26 at various times and locations around campus. Appointments are not needed; just walk in when it is convenient during the days and times the shots are being offered. The patient’s Purdue ID or Anthem medical plan ID card is required.

Pediatric (ages 6 months to 35 months) flu vaccines will only be available on campus at the Center for Healthy Living. Patients under 2 years of age require two vaccines and will need to return to the CHL for the second dose as well. CHL will administer the Fluzone, pre-filled syringe, quadrivalent vaccine for pediatric patients 6 to 35 months of age.  Those needing an alternative vaccine should see their provider.

TWO ADDITIONAL WAYS TO GET A FLU SHOT AT NO CHARGE

Additionally, employees, spouses and children who are covered on a Purdue medical plan have the option of getting a free flu shot through either of the following ways:

* Go to their health care provider: All Purdue medical plans cover seasonal flu shots for covered employees and family members covered on a Purdue medical plan.

* Go to a participating retail pharmacy: Those getting a flu shot through a retail location will need to show their Anthem ID card to ensure all flu shots are billed through their Anthem medical plan. Note: Some pharmacies have age restrictions regarding pediatric flu vaccines; check with the pharmacy before arrival.

QUESTIONS

Employees who have questions about flu shot coverage may contact Human Resources at 765-494-2222 or hr@purdue.edu.