Influenza remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is particularly dangerous for patients more susceptible to serious flu illness, including babies, young children, seniors and people with certain chronic health conditions. We have a responsibility to protect our patients, visitors and each other by making sure we are immunized against the flu.
Getting your flu vaccination at UF Health is easy. Beginning Sept. 6, the following workers are eligible for a no-cost flu shot through UF Health Shands Occupational Health, or OHS, located at UF HealthShands Hospital, Room 1004, with an ID badge:
- UF Health Shands employees and volunteers
- UF Health Physicians employees
- UF College of Medicine faculty physicians, residents and fellows
- Credentialed ARNPs
- Credentialed physician assistants
- Credentialed medical staff
In September and October, OHS will co-host several flu vaccination events with the UF Student Health Care Center, or SHCC, in the UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium and UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital, Room 1205. Staff members are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated at one of these events. At co-hosted events, all UF faculty, staff and students can also receive a no-cost flu vaccination with an ID badge and insurance card.
OHS will also provide flu vaccinations at dozens of satellite locations. See a calendar of flu vaccination events on Flu Central at bridge.UFHealth.org/flu.
If you belong to one of the groups listed to the left and choose to get a flu vaccination from a provider outside UF Health or UF, you’ll be asked to show proof of vaccination paperwork to obtain a vaccination sticker for your ID badge.
Beginning Oct. 31, those who choose to opt out of receiving the vaccination for medical, religious or personal reasons will be required to follow a formal opt-out process and to wear a mask in patient care areas. Visit bridge.UFHealth.org/flu to see a calendar of flu vaccination events.
“It’s our responsibility to protect ourselves so that we can protect our patients and their families. It only takes about five minutes and it’s worthwhile!”
Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing and Patient Services Vice President
“Flu vaccines prevent our elderly and very young patients from getting sick. Staff who assist these patients and have the flu virus can be instruments in harming them, and it’s our goal to put their health first.”
Parker Gibbs, M.D., UF Health Shands Chief Medical Officer and UF College of Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery Division Chief