To help students, employees, and community members avoid getting the flu this fall and winter, Virginia Tech is offering several flu vaccination clinics in October and November.

Students and general public

Virginia Tech’s Schiffert Health Center  will hold a walk-in flu clinic Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in McComas Hall gym. This event is open to the public.

The clinic is for adults and children ages six months and up. Those under the age of 18 will need a signed parental consent form, available on the Schiffert Health Center website. Forms will also be available at the clinic.

The flu vaccine will be offered as a traditional shot for $23. Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Virginia Tech students insured through Aetna Student Health are encouraged to participate in this clinic. Through a special arrangement by Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, and Maxim, students, faculty, staff, and community members who receive the injectable flu vaccine will not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Please bring your Aetna or Anthem ID card.

For more information on the flu and flu vaccines, refer to Schiffert Health Center’s Flu FAQ.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, contact Sharon L. Evans at 540-231-6445 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Parking for McComas Hall is available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a visitor’s pass. Attendees can park in the Coliseum Lot located along Washington Street and Beamer Way. A visitor’s pass may be obtained Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Visitor Information Center, located at 965 Prices Fork Road, near the intersection of Prices Fork and University City Boulevard next to the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. A visitor’s pass may be obtained outside of Visitor Information Center hours from the Virginia Tech Police Station, which is located on Sterrett Drive.

After 5 p.m., free parking is available in the Coliseum Lot located along Washington Street and Beamer Way. Find more parking information online or call 540-231-3200.

Employees

A healthy work environment is important to Virginia Tech. As a service to employees, the university makes it as easy as possible for employees to get flu vaccinations by hosting clinics across campus. Fourteen flu vaccination clinics will be held from Oct. 5 to Nov. 16. Dates, locations, and details about 2016 flu vaccination clinics are available online.

The flu vaccination is free for employees with benefits and $21 for employees without benefits.

The shingles vaccine will also be offered at four of the clinics. Employees should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage requirements prior to registering. Coverage is generally based on age.

The shingles vaccine is a live, subcutaneous injection. Individuals with a weakened immune system, anyone who has had shingles previously (except by physician's prescription), or anyone with an allergy to any vaccine component cannot receive the vaccine. Common side effects include redness, irritation, or rash at injection site, headache, malaise, and fever.

Registration is required for both the flu vaccination and the shingles vaccination. Employees do not need to work at the Blacksburg campus to take advantage of this benefit.

Check the flu vaccination guidelines for information about the type of vaccine that will be administered, allergy cautions, and common side effects.

For more information or if you are a person with a disability and desire an accommodation, contact Hokie Wellness.

Written by Katie Huger, employee communications manager.

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