October 08, 2021

Flu immunizations will be available on campus Oct. 26-27

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will be providing free flu immunizations until Nov. 15, 2021, 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 at two walk-up flu shot clinics, set for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 in the SIU Alumni Association Courtyard at Woody Hall.

Flu shots are encouraged

This year, the Center for Disease Control is encouraging children older than six months and adults to take the flu shot if they are able.  Due to the healthcare systems being overwhelmed, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, there are many important benefits:

  • Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

High-dose vaccines will be available as long as the supply of vaccines is available.

Masks are required to participate in the clinics.

Participants are reminded to wear clothing that will allow for the vaccine to be given in the upper arm.

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.

Dependent information

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 Medicaid is also accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted only at the health department.

Dependents may receive flu immunizations by paying $43, or $77 for a high dose immunization for those people 65 and older.

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

The state Vaccine for Children (VFC) will only be offered at the Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road, Murphysboro. (For those who are VFC eligible; ie, uninsured, have insurance that does not cover vaccines, Alaska Natives/American Indians, on Medicaid.)

Additional opportunities to receive flu shot

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 the Office of Human Resources Employee Benefits at 618-453-6668, or visit the department’s website.