Arm yourself against the flu – get a flu shot at FIU

Every year an average of more than 30,000 people die from the flu (seasonal influenza) in the United States, and more than 200,000 people have to be hospitalized for respiratory and heart conditions related to the flu.

“It’s a highly contagious disease, so once it starts spreading it’s almost impossible to stop,” says Dr. Juan Acuña , assistant vice president for Clinical Research, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and former director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program.

Acuña recommends everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated.  However, you should consult your doctor first if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs; had a serious reaction to a previous flu shot; or have had Gullain-Barré Syndrome, a paralyzing illness that occurred after receiving an influenza vaccine.

Faculty, staff, friends and family can get flu shots at FIU Health

Flu shots are now available for faculty, staff, friends and family at FIU Health, the College of Medicine’s faculty group practice. FIU Health accepts all FIU employee insurance plans: BCBS, Coventry and AvMed, as well as other insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, the flu shot is $20 (cash or check) – that’s more than $10 less than at the nearest pharmacy.

FIU Health is located on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, PG5 bldg., on the first floor, next to Market Station.

For more information call 305-FIU-DOCS, 305-348-3627.

FIU students can get flu shots at University Health Services

Flu shots are now available for students at FIU’s University Health Services. The cost is $16. Appointments are encouraged to minimize wait time, but walk-ins are accepted. Students can call the clinic at Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) at 305-919-5620, Ext. 2, or the clinic at MMC at 305-348-2401, Ext. 22, to make an appointment.

The BBC clinic is located in the Health Care Center building. The MMC clinic is located in the University Health Services Complex.

In related news, the Wellness Center will be conducting cold/flu awareness on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the breezeway of the Green Library and distributing cold/flu kits as part of these efforts. The kits include Kleenex, hand sanitizer, a thermometer and a cold/flu aromatherapy blend along with information about preventing and treating the flu.