Influenza vaccine clinics will be open to the University community, no appointment required, Oct. 4 through Nov. 8.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina members and University-endorsed health insurance members are offering the vaccine free of charge with presentation of insurance member card and photo ID. Those with a different insurance plan will pay $25 for the flu shot or $35 for the nasal vaccine.
The clinics will operate from various locations — Student Health Services, Centennial Campus, Talley Student Center and the College of Veterinary Medicine — depending on the date. Cash and check payment methods are acceptable at all venues, with University accounts and credit cards being accepted only at Talley Student Center sites.
Those unable to attend the clinics can make an appointment with Student Health Services for the flu shot. The nasal vaccine can be purchased at the Student Health pharmacy with no appointment necessary, while supplies last.
According the American Lung Association, influenza does not usually peak until winter or early spring, but healthy people should get the shot to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus. For most adults, the vaccine takes effect within two weeks.
People with severe allergies to eggs, people who have previously had an allergic reaction to the influenza vaccination and children less than six months old are advised to consult a doctor before immunization, according to the ALA.
Everyone is at risk without immunization, and on average, one out of five Americans get the flu every year, according to the ALA. In the U.S., the association reports 226,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu each year. It’s the eighth leading cause of death in the country and deaths range from 3,000-49,000 people per year.
The flu is spread through respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing, usually through interpersonal contact or touching something contaminated with the virus.
Dates, locations and acceptable methods of payment can be found at go.ncsu.edu/flu-clinics.
