Get your free flu shot between Sep. 29 – Oct. 1!

Dear Students,    

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 ELIGIBLE STUDENTS* regardless of credit load or health insurance plan.
No appointment needed: just bring your CUID.**

Monday, Sep. 29 - Wednesday, Oct. 1: Low Library Rotunda
Enter via the Northeast entrance only.
Monday, Sep. 29: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  
Tuesday, Sep. 30: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  
Wednesday, Oct. 1: 9:00 a.m - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 8: 3rd Fl. Board Rooms, Geffen Hall (Manhattanville)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
 
Please note that you are not able to join the line prior to opening or after closing.    

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.     

**Early bird exclusive***
Each day, the first 150 community members who get their flu shot at the event will receive an exclusive “Fight Flu” hot/cold pack!

Students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan: You do not have to pay a copay if you get a flu shot off-campus. You may also get a flu shot at Medical Services if you are unable to participate on these dates.

Why get the flu vaccine?   
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health 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.   

Apart from getting a vaccine, basic hygiene precautions such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask in crowded spaces, and crucially, staying home when you are sick, are equally important preventive measures for the flu, which is highly transmissible.

Looking for guidance on the COVID vaccine?
You can learn more about guidance on the COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season, including finding vaccines in New York City, from the NYC Department of Health. Note that the vaccine is currently not available at Medical Services. Keep checking our website for up-to-date information.

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: Currently registered students from the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, Teachers College, Lamont-Doherty Observatory, and Nevis Laboratories (including staff that are also currently registered students) regardless of credit load or health insurance plan.

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

Barnard and CUIMC students are not eligible for no-cost flu vaccinations with Columbia Health and should contact their respective campus health service for flu vaccine opportunities. 

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] at least 5 days in advance of the event.