Flu and meningitis vaccination clinics announced for 2012

KALAMAZOO—The Sindecuse Health Center is holding six clinics this fall for Western Michigan University employees, students and retirees who want to protect themselves and the people around them from seasonal influenza and meningitis.

Flu and meningitis vaccinations are also available at Sindecuse on a walk-in basis. Protection against the H1N1 flu strain is included in the seasonal flu shot, so only one vaccination is needed.

In addition to WMU retirees, flu and meningitis shots are available to WMU students, faculty members and staff members as well as these groups' eligible dependents (12 years of age and older). A valid Bronco ID Card may be required to receive a vaccination.

The clinic schedule, which is subject to change based on vaccine availability, is as follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., flu vaccinations only, 1224 Aviation Education Center, College of Aviation campus, Battle Creek, Mich.
• Wednesday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3131 Sindecuse Health Center, with easy access for retirees and open to faculty, staff and students.
• Tuesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, Health and Human Services Building atrium, Oakland Drive Campus.
• Tuesday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, 157 Bernhard Center.
• Wednesday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, Engineering and Applied Sciences Building employee lounge, Parkview Campus.
• Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., flu mist and meningitis vaccinations, Student Recreation Center indoor tennis courts (part of WMU's Health and Wellness Expo).

Vaccinations also are being administered on a walk-in basis at Sindecuse at the following times:

• Mondays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• Fridays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The cost for flu shots varies. Students receiving flu vaccinations will pay $18 and non-benefits-eligible employees and their dependents will pay $25.

Benefits-eligible WMU employees covered under the University's Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan insurance and their covered dependents receive flu shots with no out-of-pocket expenses if they get their shots at Sindecuse or its vaccination clinics; the University is again picking up this cost.

For WMU retirees, flu shots are a covered benefit for those with Medicare or Medicare Advantage and for those without Medicare who are covered under WMU's Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance plan. Flu shots cost $25 for retirees without Medicare who are covered under MPSERS.

Meningitis shots cost $108, although individual insurance plans may cover all or part of this cost.

Payment for vaccinations may be made by personal check, with cash or, in the case of students, charged to a University student account. Employees not covered by insurance may use the Payroll Deduction Plan. Sindecuse will bill insurance carriers for students and non-benefits-eligible employees who have provided insurance information. Credit card payments may be made only at the Sindecuse Health Center site.

For more information about vaccinations, visit Sindecuse Health Center online or call (269) 387-3287. Questions may be directed to the center's nurse's station at (269) 387-3393.