October 03, 2011

Flu shot vaccinations offered

Free flu immunizations are being offered for all active and retired Southern Illinois University Carbondale employees, as well as surviving spouses who are enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan. The Jackson County Health Department will administer the immunizations twice in the upcoming weeks. The Department of Central Management Services is providing the free flu shots for all state employees.

The schedule is:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 11 -- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Student Recreation Center Alumni Lounge. Last names beginning N-Z.

  • Friday, Oct. 21 -- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Student Health Center Auditorium.  Last names beginning A-M.

The Jackson County Health Department has indicated there will be no prioritizing or restrictions on vaccines this year.

Employees are required to present verification of employment (University ID) AND a state health insurance card in order to receive the free immunization. Retirees and survivors of state employees will be required to provide their state health insurance card and one type of picture identification. For health department billing purposes, individuals must provide either the last four digits of their Social Security number, address, or date of birth. Retirees and survivors will be required to provide their red, white and blue Medicare card if they are enrolled in Medicare Part B coverage.

Employees not enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan, dependents, contractual workers, volunteers, students and graduate assistants are not eligible for the free flu immunization.

Dependents may receive flu immunizations by paying a $35 fee. For those children who qualify, State Vaccine for Children (VFC) is available for $15. Pneumonia vaccines are also available at a cost of $80 per dose.

The Jackson County Health Department is now a Health Alliance provider and can bill Health Alliance for dependents’ flu vaccine.  Dependents who wish to receive a flu vaccine and whose primary insurance coverage is Health Alliance should bring a copy of their insurance card to the clinics.  Cash, check, or Illinois Medicaid is also accepted.

Graduate assistants and teaching assistants may receive immunizations at the Student Health Center. Please contact their office to schedule an appointment.

If you cannot make any of the above times, you may go to any Jackson County Health Department flu clinic to receive your free immunization. For more information call the department at 618/684-3143, ext. 517, to check dates and times, or visit the website at www.jchdonline.org.

Any other questions may be directed to SIUC’s Human Resource Benefits Office at 618/453-6668.