October 10, 2022

Flu immunizations will be available on campus Oct. 18, 26

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will be providing free flu immunizations for all active and retired SIU Carbondale employees, as well as surviving spouses enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan. 

As part of that effort, the Jackson County Health Department will administer the immunizations at two walk-up flu shot clinics, set for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and Oct. 26 in the SIU Alumni Association Courtyard at Woody Hall. 

Flu shots are encouraged 

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging children older than 6 months and adults to take the flu shot if they are able. It is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death. 

High-dose vaccines for older adults will be available as long as the supply is available. 

Masks are highly encouraged, not 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 

If you have dependents who would like to receive a flu vaccine but are not covered by a state plan, bring a copy of their insurance card to the clinics. The health department can bill most private insurance plans. You may call 618-684-3143, ext. 119, to verify if the private health insurance is accepted. 

Dependents not covered by insurance may receive flu immunizations by paying $48, or $88 for a high dose immunization for people 65 and older. Cash, check or Medicaid is also accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted only at the health department. 

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. (This is for those who are VFC eligible; i.e., uninsured, have insurance that does not cover vaccines, Alaska Natives/Native Americans, 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.