The Douglas County Health Department has confirmed the first cases of flu in the community. The flu season is typically defined beginning in October and running through April or May, although the peak season is December through February.
Vaccinations this morning
Vaccinations are available:
- 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. today in Lower Storz Pavilion
- 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, in Private Dining Room A, B and C at University Tower.
Vaccinations will continue through November into December — see link below for dates and times.
UNMC faculty, staff and students can receive their free influenza vaccination at various flu shot clinics. All health care providers, students and employees are expected to document their vaccination status in the database (receipt of vaccine, reason for vaccine declination or vaccination received elsewhere).
The Joint Commission has implemented an initiative to increase influenza vaccination in health care institutions. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) requires organizations to submit influenza vaccination rates annually. In order to comply with these programs, our organization must collect and report the data that will be captured in the campus-wide documentation system.
A campus-wide goal of 90 percent has been set for vaccination receipt. This includes UNMC, Nebraska Medicine and Clarkson College.
As a reminder, tracking of vaccinations must be completed by Dec. 31 to comply with national reporting requirements.
A variety of venues are available to receive the vaccine:
- Flu shot clinics are scheduled until Dec. 2. View the full schedule here.
- Clinic and inpatient units. (Staff assigned to clinics and inpatient units can receive vaccination on their units).
- Special clinics – Some student groups and specialized employees will have specific clinics established. Contact your department leadership for additional information.
- Off-site (VA, private physician, retail pharmacy).
Can you please clarify? Are students encouraged go to Student Health to receive their influenza vaccination? Are the open flu shot clinics for employees only? Thanks.
Yes, students can get free flu shots at Student Health (employees go through Employee Health).
Students will get an email with clinic times or they can schedule an appointment.