September 20, 2018

Flu immunizations will be available next month

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will be providing free flu immunizations until Nov. 15 for all active and retired SIU Carbondale employees, as well as surviving spouses enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan. The Jackson County Health Department will administer the immunizations twice in the upcoming weeks. 

The schedule is:

  • Thursday, Oct. 11 – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Student Recreation Center Alumni Lounge. Last names beginning A-M.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 17 – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Student Recreation Center Alumni Lounge. Last names beginning N-Z.

The Jackson County Health Department has indicated there will be no prioritizing or restriction of vaccines this year. If you are not enrolled in the state-sponsored health plan, or are a dependent, contractual employee, volunteer, student or graduate assistant, you are not eligible for the free flu immunization provided by CMS.

Employees are required to present verification of employment (university ID/picture 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.
  • 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. 

The health department can bill most private insurance plans. If you have a dependent or dependents who would like to receive a flu vaccine, bring a copy of their insurance card to the clinics.

You may call 618/684-3143, ext. 119, to verify if the private health insurance is accepted. Cash, check, or Illinois Medicaid is also accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted only at the health department. 

Dependents may receive flu immunizations by paying $43, or $73 for a high dose immunization for those people 65 and older. 

For those children who qualify, State Vaccine for Children (VFC) is available but only offered at the Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road, Murphysboro. 

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

If you cannot attend one of the scheduled clinics listed above, you may go to any Jackson County Health Department flu clinic to receive your free immunization. For more information, visit the health department’s website or call 618/684-3143, ext. 150 for additional clinic dates and times. 

Any other questions may be directed to Employee Benefits at 453-6668, or visit the department’s website.