September 21, 2020
With COVID-19 still present in our community, flu shots are an especially important step in keeping our community healthy this flu season.
The seasonal flu and COVID-19 will be active at the same time this fall and winter. While the flu shot won’t protect you from COVID-19, both viruses are airborne and attack the respiratory system.
The flu vaccine can prevent you from catching the flu or reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the virus. It also reduces your risk of suffering serious flu-related complications like pneumonia and needing hospitalization, which is especially critical during the pandemic to reduce the overall burden on our healthcare system.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot
Everyone, regardless of whether you have a chronic medical condition that increases your risk, should get a flu shot to protect you and those living and working around you who may be more vulnerable. Getting a flu shot keeps everyone safer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over six months old get the flu shot. People with conditions like heart disease, diabetes and asthma – who are at higher risk for COVID-19 – are also at higher risk for the flu and should be vaccinated.
How to Get a Flu Shot
Flu shots are available on campus and for free for all UCF students, thanks to the Student Health Fee. Flu shots also are available at Student Health Services and UCF Health for faculty and staff, with the costs potentially covered through insurance.
Flu shots are available via appointments and walk-ins at the main campus Health Center, as well as on select dates at satellite campuses. Flu shots will also be available at the annual Healthy Knights Expo, which this year will be a drive-thru event on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Mobile Flu Cart on the main campus also is new this year. On Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Health Services nurses are bringing flu shots straight to you. Follow the Health Center on Twitter to see where the Mobile Flu Cart is heading, or request through Twitter that they come directly to you. Students simply need to show their valid student ID card, and faculty and staff need to have their in-network insurance card on file with Student Health Services.
Thank you for doing your part in keeping yourself and our community healthy. Together, let’s continue to Armor Up and also help curb the spread of the flu.
Dr. Michael Deichen, MD, MPH
Associate Vice President of UCF Student Health Services