This fall and winter, both influenza (flu) and the COVID-19 virus may spread. All members of the university community are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccine.
“The best prevention against the flu is the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is a way to help protect yourself, your family and our Mason community,” said Lisa Park, executive director of Student Health Services.
To help protect the health and well-being of our residence hall communities, all residential students will be required to get a flu vaccine this season.
“Students who live in close quarters, such as residential halls, may be at higher risk for influenza,” Park said.
This measure will also help maintain university capacity to care for students with COVID-19. Because symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to those of the flu, residential students with any of these symptoms will need to isolate or quarantine until approved by Student Health Services to resume their normal activities.
Students can get a flu shot at one of the upcoming on-campus clinics at the Fairfax Campus. Appointments are available at shs.gmu.edu/services/flushot. Clinics are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, and Monday, Oct. 19, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The flu shot is $30 with Student Health Services or no cost for students who have the university Aetna Student Health insurance plan. This year, Student Health Services is working with CVS and Giant pharmacies at the on-campus clinics for students who want to use another health insurance.
Flu vaccination is no-cost with most health insurance plans when you get your flu vaccine with an in-network provider. Students planning to attend the on-campus flu shot clinics should contact their health insurance provider to ensure coverage and that pharmacy on site is considered in-network before attending.