Flu shots are available at Sindecuse Health Center

Contact: Joe VanDerBos

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—WMU's health center offers seasonal influenza immunizations to full- and part-time employees, students, retirees and other eligible individuals (including dependents 12 and older of full-time employees, retirees and students) beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8. Vaccinations will be administered by appointment at the health center. Drop-in clinics are not yet scheduled for fall semester. Because of COVID-19, demand may be high and a preferred appointment day may not be available. Patients age 65 and older will be given the high-dose vaccine. To make an appointment to get a flu shot, visit the patient portal.

Precautions are in place to reduce risks associated with COVID-19. Visitors will continue to practice social distancing, wear masks and complete a daily screening survey on the patient portal. A green "cleared" badge must be presented at the health center for entry. Staff will take visitor temperatures upon arrival. Other safety measures include telehealth visits with providers, seats in waiting rooms are spaced farther apart and pharmacy visitors are using the drive-up window to reduce foot traffic.

Students may receive A Flu Shot at no cost

The health center has secured a grant from Alana’s Foundation and pledged matching funds to cover the cost of flu shots for up to 150 uninsured and underinsured WMU students.

Cost

WMU full-time employees covered by the University's Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan and covered dependents age 12 or older receive flu shots with no out-of-pocket expense at Sindecuse. WMU employees with Blue Care Network HMO insurance and part-time employees are also invited to receive flu shots at the health center with no out-of-pocket cost. Their dependents are not eligible. For WMU retirees, flu shots are a covered benefit for those with MPSERS, Medicare or Medicare Advantage and for those without Medicare who are covered under WMU's Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance plan. In all cases, insurance will be billed first.

For non-benefits-eligible employees and their dependents, the flu shot will cost $65 per dose. For those 65 or older, the high-dose vaccine is $95.

For more detailed information about available times and the kind of vaccine offered, visit our webpage on influenza vaccination.

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