Flu Shot Week 11/29 – 12/3
Flu Shot Week Monday, November 29th through Friday, December 3rd.
Are you prepared to travel for the holidays and winter break? Be sure to protect yourself with an influenza vaccine, prior to hitting the road. FREE flu vaccines for current Northeastern students, by appointment. Call UHCS 617-373-2772, to schedule your appointment during Flu Shot Week.
Appointments are required. Call 617-373-2772 to schedule an appointment.
Is the flu shot required?
In accordance with the MA Department of Public Health announcement (1/15/2021), the flu vaccination is not required for students; however it is strongly encouraged as we protect from both the flu and it could decrease symptoms that could be confused with COVID-19. For more information about the recommendation of a flu vaccine, please visit MA Department of Public Health.
What is influenza (flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Influenza virus can cause mild to severe illness. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about the flu.
Why should I get flu vaccine?
Annual influenza (flu) vaccines are recommended for individuals 6 months of age and older, with few exceptions. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.
Getting a flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic is more important than ever. Experts believe that the flu might make a person more susceptible to COVID and develop serious disease. They are also concerned about people who develop the flu, and thinking they have COVID-19, seek medical care that could inadvertently expose them to COVID-19. Lastly, getting a flu vaccine will help conserve potentially scarce health care resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When should I get a flu shot?
It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot before the end of October, prior to the start of flu season.
Where can I get a flu vaccine?
- Doctor’s office
- Limited services clinic (e.g., CVS MinuteClinic®´)
- Urgent care center
- Community health center
- Public access clinic sponsored by cities and towns
- Outpatient department of a hospital
We recommend that you call to set up your visit in advance.
Where can I get a flu vaccine on and near the Boston main campus?
Flu shots are currently available at UHCS
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tuesday and Thursday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Appointments are required. Call 617-373-2772 to schedule an appointment.
Fenway Health
- 1340 Boylston (Ansin Building)
- If not a patient, call 617.927.6000 to register
- By appointment only- call 617.927.6000
CVS
Schedule an appointment at https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/flu
Nearby Locations
- 231 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02115
- 1249 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115
- 1341 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
Walgreens
- 1630 Tremont St, Roxbury Crossing, MA, 02120
- 841 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
- 1603 Washing Street, Boston, MA 02118
- 429 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Additional resources:
Does NUSHP cover the cost of the flu vaccine?
Yes. To learn more about NUSHP check out MyBlue and Where to Get Vaccinated on the Blue Cross Blue Shield website.
I am not on the Boston campus, where can I get a flu shot?
In addition to UHCS there are other available resources for the flu shot including: your primary care physician, local minute clinics and pharmacies, as well as your local town hall or public health department as many offer flu clinics throughout the fall. Please note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu shot availability at these sites may be limited. Check out vaccine Finder for flu shot availability throughout the United States.
Flu Prevention Tips
There are a variety of ways to keep yourself healthy during cold and flu season. From washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home while you are sick. During the time of COVID-19 pandemic, please follow the university guidelines and report any symptoms on your daily wellness check.
Is it a cold or the flu?
When you don’t feel well, it may be confusing to figure out what is going on. Use this symptom to chart to provide some insight on what be going on. In addition, be sure to complete your daily wellness check.
What should I do if I get sick?
- Stay home
- Fill out the daily wellness check
- Call UHCS or your primary care doctor
- Take your temperature
- Rest
- Drink lots of fluids
- Follow the directions of your medical provider