Influenza (Flu) Prevention & Immunization

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single best way to keep from getting and spreading the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. All employees who would like a seasonal flu shot are encouraged to get one in the 2009-2010 flu season.

Information specific to the novel H1N1 influenza virus is posted to the Campus Health Services web site at www.uw.edu/flu. Look there for updates and the most recent developments regarding influenza at the University.

Immunizations for the UW Campus Community

Most local pharmacies and several grocery store chains offer seasonal influenza vaccine—and some may offer valuable, in-store discounts or coupons on merchandise to encourage you to get a flu shot. While most providers will bill your plan directly, be sure to ask about the billing method before getting vaccinated. To see a list of locations, go to your health plan's web site (below). Note: a separate vaccine for H1N1 virus is expected to be available in December.
Benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and retirees: Your PEBB health plan (listed below) covers seasonal flu shots and will cover the H1N1 vaccine once it is available. UW Medical Center and Harborview employees should follow directions previously provided by the hospitals regarding flu shots.
- Campus Flu Clinics: UW Benefits is currently coordinating a series of free flu clinics in a variety of locations around the campus community. Check back often for more flu clinic announcements. The following clinic will be open to UW faculty and staff eligible for any of the PEBB medical plans, including Group Health Cooperative. No appointment is necessary. Please bring your health insurance card and photo ID.
  
  Health Sciences Lobby - NEW
  Tuesday, November 10
  9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Campus map
UW Students: Seasonal flu shots may be available through your health plan. Check to see whether you are covered, and if so, whether special conditions apply. See information below.

For UW Faculty, Staff, and Retirees

You and your dependents can either attend a free flu clinic on campus (see above) or you can see your health plan's web site for other options:

Aetna Public Employee Plan (PEP)
You can get a flu shot anywhere. Ask first if the pharmacy or flu shot provider can bill Aetna PEP directly (you may want to show them your Aetna PEP card). If they bill directly, you won’t be charged at the time you get the shot. If they don’t bill directly, you can pay for it yourself, and submit a payment receipt and a medical claim to Aetna PEP for reimbursement up to $30, the amount allowed by the plan. See www.aetna.com for more information. To access the Medical Services Claim form, go to: www.aetnahca.com/forms.html

Group Health Classic & Value Plans
Get a flu shot at a Group Health clinic, or at your doctor’s office. Check the Group Health website for more information: www.ghc.org.

Uniform Medical Plan
You can get a flu shot anywhere. Ask first if the pharmacy or flu shot provider can bill UMP directly (you may want to show them your UMP card). If they bill directly, you won’t be charged at the time you get the shot. If they don’t bill directly, you can pay for it yourself, and then submit a payment receipt and completed copy of the flu vaccine coupon for reimbursement up to the amount allowed by the plan. See a list of network pharmacies that give vaccines. Download a coupon for a free flu shot: www.ump.hca.wa.gov/medical/docs/fluform2008-10.pdf

For UW Students

Graduate Appointees: If you are a graduate student who is covered by the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP), you and your dependents' annual flu shots are covered and available through your provider. (Note: summer quarter coverage ends September 30, 2009 and fall quarter coverage begins the following day.) If you go to a preferred provider, you do not need to file a claim—just present your ID card at the time of service. If you go to a provider who is not part of the WPAS network, you will have to file a claim for reimbursement. Learn more at: www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/insure/gaip/file-claim.html

Insured Students: If you are student who is covered by your parent's health plan or another health insurance provider, you can get your flu shot at the Hall Health Center. Please check with your insurance provider to see if this is covered by your health insurance plan. Note: the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) does not include coverage for flu shots.

Uninsured Students: If you are uninsured you may need to pay for flu shots. See www.flucliniclocator.org for more information.

Flu Prevention

Who should get a flu vaccine:

All children, ages 6 months up to the 5th birthday
All adults, 50 years and older
Children and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special health care needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other breathing problems, sickle cell anemia and cerebral palsy
Pregnant women
People who live or work in long-term care facilities
Household contacts and caregivers of people in any of the above groups
Health-care professionals
Household contacts and caregivers of children, especially those in contact with babies under 6 months of age who are too young to get flu vaccine
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu

Practice healthy habits to stay well and prevent from spreading the flu and other viruses:

Stay home when you're sick
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

UWHR's Guide for Staff During Flu Season
For answers to common questions including when to call in sick, leave use, caring for loved ones, and temporary telework arrangements—check out UWHR's Guide for Staff During Flu Season.