Flu Vaccine 2011
Thank you to the 5,439 members of the Princeton community who chose to protect themselves and each other by getting a flu vaccine at FluFest 2011. If you missed FluFest, you can still get a flu shot at University Health Services.
Call to make appointment soon while supplies last! Students can call 258-3141. Faculty and staff can call 258-5035. The flu shot is free for students, faculty and staff. Dependents16 and older can receive the shot for $24.
Links and Forms
FLU VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the single best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get an annual influenza vaccination. The CDC and the state of New Jersey recommend vaccinations for the seasonal flu as soon as possible to allow ample time for the body to make antibodies that protect against the seasonal influenza virus infection.
Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. Certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons. People at high risk for complications from the flu include:
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, diabetes or other conditions which compromise immune function
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including: Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above) and home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
FLU VACCINE OPTIONS
FluMist® is not available at UHS. For more information about influenza and the vaccine, please visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than six months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. Thimerosal-free vaccine is available.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Answers to more specific questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.