The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
Did you know that after receiving the vaccination, it can take about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies to protect against the flu? Because flu season can start as early as October, it is recommended that you start getting vaccinated this month.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons aged 6 months and older are recommended for annual vaccination, with rare exception. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding which influenza vaccines are best for you and your family, if you have had a reaction to the flu vaccine before, or may have a severe egg allergy. Learn more about who the vaccine is recommended for, and who should not get it at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu Clinics on the UC Davis Campus
This season, there are a few opportunities to get vaccinated here at the UC Davis campus:
For Fire Department, Police Department, Student Health and Counseling Services employees, and those directly involved in flu-research at the Primate Center – Occupational Health Services has directly reached out to your departments to schedule your flu vaccine visits.
All staff and faculty at UC Davis who are planning international UC Davis business-related travel can receive a flu vaccine with their free Travel Medicine appointment. You can also receive recommended immunizations and medications based on your destination.
Students and student employees – if you have UC SHIP insurance, call the Student Health and Wellness Center Appointment Desk to schedule an appointment for the flu shot. Local Davis pharmacies (CVS, CVS at Target, and Rite Aid) also provide free flu shots for students with UC SHIP insurance. Call ahead to confirm. No appointment needed!
Everyone else – the Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being Program has coordinated free flu clinics with UC Davis Health.
Flu Clinic Dates are shared each September
PLEASE NOTE:
- ALL flu shots will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Open only to CURRENT UC Davis staff, faculty, and student employees.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Flu shots have been generously donated by UC Davis Health.
Flu Vaccines with Your Healthcare Provider
What if I cannot go to these flu clinics? Check with your healthcare provider for their flu clinic times. These shots are free to members. They will often hold weekend clinics as well as extended hour clinics during this time of year.
Kaiser Permanente – sort by flu clinic location and find the day and time most convenient for you. Or, call 1-800-573-5811 for flu updates.
UC Blue & Gold – find your provider or a local pharmacy today to inquire about flu shots.
UC Care – see Anthem's preventive care guidelines and then contact your provider to confirm.
Flu Prevention Tips
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, there are everyday actions that you can take to stop the spread of germs and illnesses like the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- When you are sick, if possible, stay home and avoid running errands, going to work or school.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Learn more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and find PDF flyers (available in multiple languages) to post at your workplace or school.