Every year people young and old die from influenze (flu). The CDC recommends that anyone age 6 months and greater be vaccinated for the flu unless told otherwise by their medical provider. Vaccination can help decrease the risk of acquiring the flu and the symptoms that come with it. Typically, the flu affects the very young and the "mature", but last year during the H1N1 pandemic people age 19 - 24 were the most affected. Flu vaccine is something simple and convenient that can be done to reduce your chances of getting the flu this year.

Important Information Regarding Influenza (Flu) Vaccine - 2010

The Health Center wants you to know about the upcoming flu vaccine clinics at Meredith for 2010. This year we will be vaccinating for seasonal influenza (a combination of seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccine). The Health Center encourages all Meredith College students, faculty, staff and family members age 4 and greater with health insurance coverage that includes preventive benefits to please attend one of the Maxim Health Systems influenza clinics when they are on campus later this year. (See schedule below for more information.) Children younger than 4 years of age will have to see their medical provider to receive flu vaccine.

ONLY ONE INJECTION THIS YEAR!
Good News! H1N1 vaccine has been included with the seasonal influenza vaccine for 2010 and the combined injection is called “seasonal influenza vaccine”.
SEASONAL INFLUENZA (FLU) VACCINE
When should I receive vaccine for seasonal influenza? The CDC recommends obtaining the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Maxim Health Systems will be on campus four times this fall to administer flu vaccine beginning Monday, September 27 at 9 a.m. (see schedule below). Flu vaccine will also be available at the Health Center at this time.

When/where/what time will Maxim Health Systems be administering influenza vaccine on campus?

Faculty/Staff/Students*:Monday, September 27, Chapel Common Room, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Faculty/Staff/Students*: Tuesday, October 5, SMB Atrium, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.

Faculty/Staff/Students*: Wednesday, October 13, SMB Atrium, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.

Faculty/Staff: Wednesday, October 20, Belk West,1 p.m.–4 p.m. (Employee Benefits Fair)

*Eligible family members may attend these flu vaccine clinics. Children ages 4 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What do I need to bring? If you have preventive benefits with BCBS NC or another company listed below, you will need to bring your Insurance card and a photo ID.

What is the cost? Students, faculty and staff (and their family members and children ages 4-17) who have preventive benefits with BCBS NC or another company listed below will be able to receive the vaccine at no charge when Maxim Health Systems is on campus. If you are not sure whether your BCBS NC plan covers these services, please call 1-877-258-3334.

What if the BCBS I have is from another state?
This year BCBS NC will accept BCBS insurance cards from other states.

What health insurance companies does Maxim Health Systems accept at the vaccine clinics provided at Meredith?
North Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield from other states in the USA
Medicare Part B
PARTNERS – BCBS NCPFFS type Medicare Advantage Plans (must say PFFS on the card)
Aetna
SummaCare
Humana Gold Choice – Southeast
Todays Options
Universal Health Care

What is the cost if you do not have preventative benefits with BCBS NC or one of the other listed companies? If you do not have preventive benefits with an insurance company listed above, and wish to receive the seasonal flu vaccine from Maxim Health Systems during the vaccine clinics, there is a charge of $30. The Health Center offers flu vaccine to any Meredith College student, faculty or staff that does not preventive benefits with any of the companies listed above. The Health Center does not provide vaccine for family members. The fee for flu vaccine in the Health Center for students is $20 while supplies last. This remains an employee benefit to faculty and staff at no charge.

When is the first day to receive the flu vaccine at the Health Center? Beginning, Monday, September 27, 2010 on weekdays from 9 am – 12 pm while supplies last.

Who should not receive seasonal flu vaccine?
Most people are encouraged to receive seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible this season. People who should not be vaccinated include those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, people who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine and people who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated).

Date Submitted: 2010-09-23