Columbia University Health Services

Looking to prevent the flu this year? Public health agencies recommend getting an annual flu shot to reduce the chance of getting the flu.

This is especially important with the new H1N1 virus. While the seasonal flu shot will not protect against the H1N1 flu, it will help to protect against other strains of the flu expected to circulate this season.

Health Services Flu Shot Fairs

The "Flu Shot Fair" is coming to campus at no cost to you. Last year, Health Services vaccinated more than 3,000 members of the Columbia community. We will continue to provide free flu shots for students, faculty and staff interested in receiving the vaccine this fall. No appointments are necessary!

What to Expect at the Fair:

• When you arrive, please sign in to get your free flu shot.
  
• You will then be directed to a waiting area – like visiting a doctor’s office.
  
• Your name will be called to register, then you’ll be taken to the first available clinician.
• Volunteers are available to answer general questions.

Flu Shot Fairs will be held at the following locations:

OPEN TO COLUMBIA STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF

Columbia University School of Social Work
Date: Wednesday, November 11
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: CUSSW, Student Lounge, Room 214

Teachers College
Date: Tuesday, November 17
Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Teachers College, Grace Dodge Hall, Room 179

OPEN TO COLUMBIA FACULTY AND STAFF ONLY

HR Benefits Expo II
Date: Tuesday, November 10
Time: 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Auditorium

**Please continue to check this page for any changes or updates to the flu shot events. 

About the Seasonal Flu Shot

Generally, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the seasonal flu can get vaccinated. There are some people who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, and it is strongly encouraged that they receive an annual vaccine:

• People with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease or diabetes
• Women who will be pregnant during flu season
• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Household contact and caretakers of children below the age of 5
• People with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS; long-term steroid treatments or cancer
• Healthcare workers
• Anyone over the age of 50

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about the seasonal flu shot.

You may also schedule an appointment at Primary Care Medical Services  to receive a flu shot if you are unable to attend the fairs.

About the H1N1 Vaccine

The CDC reports that a separate vaccine for the swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus is under development and could be available later this fall. As soon as we have information outlining the national distribution guidelines for the H1N1 vaccine, we will immediately share that information with the Columbia community.

For more information about the University's plans and preparation for the H1N1 situation, please visit the Columbia Preparedness website.