Flu Vaccinations

Flu season is approaching which means it’s time to get a flu shot. The 2015-2016 vaccine will protect against three different flu virus strains: influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and influenza B virus.

In order to be protected against seasonal influenza, you must get a flu shot each and every year. Circulating flu viruses change every year, and therefore so must the vaccine used to prevent them. Even if you got your flu shot last year, you should be vaccinated again this year. For answers to frequently asked questions about influenza, flu shots and the vaccine, visit the CDC flu website at www.cdc.gov/flu.     

Emory Faculty and staff who are on the Emory medical plan (and their covered dependents) can receive a free flu vaccine. You can get your flu vaccine: 

• At your local pharmacy. Several local pharmacies offer flu shots (CVS, Walgreens, etc.). Emory employees/dependents on the medical plan can get a free flu shot at any pharmacy that accepts CVS/Caremark (prescription drug plan). You will just need to present your CVS/Caremark card.
  
  
• At your doctor's office as part of your annual check-up/preventive exam. Emory employees/dependents covered on the medical plan can also get a flu shot as part of a preventive exam at no charge (EHN or in-network doctors only). However, if you have already had your annual preventive exam this year and make an appointment for a flu shot, you may be charged for the visit. The medical plan will only cover one preventive exam per year.

Important Reminder: If you are an Emory University employee who works in an Emory Healthcare (EHC) facility, you are required to receive the flu vaccination or complete a medical or religious exemption. You should attend one of the EHC Flu Marathon events to get your vaccination. Visit the Intranet (www.ourehc.org) for the schedule. If you decide to get your flu vaccination through your local pharmacy or primary care doctor rather than attending the EHC Flu Marathon, you will need to get documentation to submit with Employee Health to validate that you did receive a flu shot this year.

Please note that this year Emory is discontinuing the Kroger flu vouchers. Emory employees not on the Emory medical plan should contact their insurance provider for flu shot options. Flu shots are free under the Affordable Care Act so all insurance plans cover them. (http://www.hhs.gov/answers/affordable-care-act/will-the-aca-cover-my-flu-shot/index.html)