Get a free flu shot between Oct 28 – 31!

Information about the upcoming no-cost flu vaccination events for the Columbia community.

By
Melanie Bernitz
October 10, 2024

For Students

Dear Students,  

The arrival of cooler temperatures means it’s that time of year again—flu season. Influenza or “flu” can lead to severe symptoms and can result in missing classes. Thus, we are strongly recommending everyone in our community receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible

** No-cost flu vaccines at these events are available to ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS* regardless of credit load or health insurance plan. No appointment needed: just bring your CUID.**

Monday, October 28 - Thursday, October 31, 2024: Lerner Hall Auditorium 

Mon. 10/28: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Tue. 10/29: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Wed. 10/30: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Thu. 10/31: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024 (Manhattanville campus): Alumni Suite, 2nd Floor, Geffen Hall 

10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

**Early bird exclusive***
Each day of the flu fair, a limited quantity of special “Fight Flu” Alma and Roar-EE pins will be available to the first 200 community members who get their flu shot.  

Please note that you are not able to join the line prior to opening time. The line will close 30 minutes prior to closing time.  

For those over 65 years of age, Columbia Health has a limited supply of the high-dose vaccine. Please speak to the nurse administering your vaccine if you are eligible for the high-dose flu vaccine.   

Why get the flu vaccine? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommend getting an annual influenza vaccine, or “flu shot”, as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza 

The flu vaccine is a protective measure; you cannot get the flu from it. It keeps you from getting sick with flu, reduces the severity of your illness if you do get infected, and reduces your risk of a hospitalization due to flu. 

Stay up to date with the COVID-19 Vaccine

CDC also recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine: it is the best way to protect yourself against severe disease. Students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee can call 212-854-7426 to schedule a vaccination appointment at Medical Services at no added cost.

Remember, all the precautions that became second nature during the COVID-19 pandemic (frequent hand washing, wearing a mask in crowded spaces, and crucially, staying home when you are sick) are equally crucial preventive measures for the flu, which is highly transmissible.

We have seen how Columbia steps up to protect the broader public health of our community and our neighbors. We are confident that you will continue to be stewards of public health by getting a flu vaccine.  
 

Take care of you - fight flu, 

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H.
Interim Executive Vice President, University Life
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine)

*Eligibility: Students from the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, Teachers College, Lamont-Doherty Observatory, and Nevis Laboratories. 

Jewish Theological and Union Theological Seminary students who have paid the full-time Health and Related Services Fee.

The flu clinic location is wheelchair accessible. If you require sign-language interpretation services to communicate with our healthcare providers or large print or electronic information, please contact Disability Services at [email protected]. 


 

For Faculty and Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

Influenza (flu) season is upon us in New York City. As you are likely aware, influenza can lead to severe symptoms and can result in missing work. We have seen how effective vaccination is in protecting ourselves, our family, friends, and colleagues from many viruses, so to help keep Columbia healthy, please get your annual flu vaccine as soon as possible

When and where to get a no-cost flu vaccine 

Faculty and staff from all campuses are eligible for the walk-in flu fair hosted by Columbia Health. No appointment needed: just bring your CUID.

Monday, October 28 - Thursday, October 31, 2024: Lerner Hall Auditorium 

Mon. 10/28: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Tue. 10/29: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
Wed. 10/30: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Thu. 10/31: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024 (Manhattanville campus): Alumni Suite, 2nd Floor, Geffen Hall 

10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

**Early bird exclusive***
Each day of the flu fair, a limited quantity of special “Fight Flu” Alma and Roar-EE pins will be available to the first 200 community members who get their flu shot.  

Please note that you are not able to join the line prior to opening time. The line will close 30 minutes prior to closing time.  

Faculty and staff who also work at CUIMC and require documentation of their flu vaccine: please ask a staff member for assistance after you receive your vaccine. 

For those over 65 years of age, Columbia Health has a limited supply of the high-dose vaccine. Please speak to the nurse administering your vaccine if you are eligible for the high-dose flu vaccine.    

Why get the flu vaccine? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommend getting an annual influenza vaccine, or “flu shot”, as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza 

The flu vaccine is a protective measure; you cannot get the flu from it. It keeps you from getting sick with flu, reduces the severity of your illness if you do get infected, and reduces your risk of hospitalization due to flu. 

Stay up to date with the COVID-19 Vaccine

CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine: it is the best way to protect yourself against severe disease. Please contact your primary care provider, health insurance company, or a nearby pharmacy to discuss vaccine options and out- of- pocket costs.

Remember, all the precautions that became second nature during the COVID-19 pandemic (frequent hand washing, wearing a mask in crowded spaces, and crucially, staying home when you are sick) are equally crucial preventive measures for the flu, which is highly transmissible.

We have seen how Columbia steps up to protect the broader public health of our community and our neighbors. We are confident that you will continue to be stewards of public health by getting a flu vaccine.  
 

Take care of you - fight flu, 

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H.
Interim Executive Vice President, University Life
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine)

The flu clinic location is wheelchair accessible. If you require sign-language interpretation services to communicate with our healthcare providers or large print or electronic information, please contact Disability Services at [email protected] or (212) 854-2388.