Health center offering flu shots at Sindecuse, one outreach clinic

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Sindecuse Health Center is offering vaccinations to Western Michigan University employees, students and retirees who want to protect themselves and the people around them from seasonal influenza.

Vaccinations will be administered to those individuals, as well as their eligible dependents, by appointment now at the health center and during a College of Aviation clinic Monday, Oct. 5, in Battle Creek.

Vaccination information

To make an appointment to get vaccinated at Sindecuse, go online to wmich.edu/healthcenter or call (269) 387-3287. No appointment is necessary to attend the College of Aviation clinic. Vaccinations are available at:

• Sindecuse—starting now, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Sindecuse—starting now, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays.
• College of Aviation clinic—Monday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1224 Aviation Education Center, Battle Creek.

This year, the quadrivalent vaccine will protect against four strains of the influenza virus. Also new for 2015-16, WMU is participating in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service's College & University Flu Vaccination Challenge.

The challenge seeks to improve student vaccination rates through a friendly competition among the state's higher education institutions. Members of the Student Health Advisory Council at Sindecuse will be leading an effort to encourage students to get vaccinated. More information is available online regarding the challenge and council.

Student, employee, retiree costs

The cost for flu shots varies. WMU students receiving flu vaccinations will pay $20 and non-benefits-eligible employees and their dependents will pay $30.

Benefits-eligible WMU employees covered by the University's Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan PPO group 007005281 and their covered dependents 12 years of age or older receive flu shots with no out-of-pocket expense only when they get their shots at Sindecuse or the College of Aviation clinic.

Again this year, the University is covering the employee expense for flu vaccination. A picture ID and insurance card should be presented to receive a flu shot.

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 $30 for retirees without Medicare who are covered under MPSERS.

Methods of payment

Payments are accepted via personal check, cash or, in the case of students, a charge 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 health center.

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