Fall brings many beloved traditions — football games, flannel shirts and crisp mornings. But it also marks the start of respiratory illness season.
There are three actions to take to protect yourself, patients and the community during this time:
- Strongly consider getting vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19.
- Document vaccination status in the Health Tracking System.
- Complete the annual tuberculosis (TB) review.
The med center’s 2025 goal is 90% vaccination for influenza and 100% documentation for both influenza and COVID-19 in the Health Tracking System.
Nebraska Medicine once again is offering free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to all Nebraska Medicine colleagues, Sodexo and UNMC faculty and staff. Both immunizations now are available.
There are three easy ways to get vaccinated:
- In clinical areas (for Nebraska Medicine colleagues) beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. Nebraska Medicine colleagues should check with their manager if they aren’t sure if their area offers influenza vaccines to colleagues. (COVID-19 vaccines will only be available in ambulatory areas.)
- On-site drop-in clinics beginning Thursday, Oct. 9. View the full schedule on the Fall Immunization Hub. Both influenza and COVID shots will be offered at these clinics.
- In the community, such as a pharmacy or primary care provider. Employees should remember to bring their health insurance card and log it in the Health Tracking System afterwards.
For colleagues who have health insurance through Nebraska Medicine, the administration costs are covered under preventive care benefits if administered by an in-network provider. Immunizations are covered if they are included on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive care formulary. Not all COVID-19 vaccines are on the ACA list, but most common ones are. Colleagues should verify coverage before receiving the vaccine.
UNMC colleagues who completed the health risk assessment and are enrolled in its health insurance can receive an influenza shot at any in-network pharmacy for free. UNMC colleagues who didn’t complete the health risk assessment will have a co-pay.
Getting vaccinated is a simple, powerful way to protect yourself and others.
“Our community and our patients are looking to us to set the example and keep everyone safe,” said Kelly Cawcutt, MD, infection prevention and hospital epidemiology medical director for Nebraska Medicine and an associate professor with the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. “Getting vaccinated is a critical and effective way to limit the spread and severity of influenza.”
TB symptom review is required for all Nebraska Medicine colleagues and only takes a few minutes to complete. Log in to the Health Tracking System to complete the training as soon as possible.
For more information and additional resources, UNMC staff can view the Fall Immunization Hub.