University Times

Seasonal flu shots will be provided through Nov. 1 at select Pittsburgh campus locations.

In addition, Falk Pharmacy will provide seasonal flu shots 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 20-Dec. 22 on the second floor of the Falk Medical Building.

Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.

Like last year, only one vaccine is necessary this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This year’s flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. CDC recommends the influenza vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older. Additional guidelines are provided by CDC at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf.

At all the flu clinics, Pitt faculty and staff with UPMC Health Plan coverage can receive a flu shot at no out-of-pocket cost; however, they must show their valid University and UPMC Health Plan ID cards. The claim for the flu shot will be forwarded directly to the insurance carrier by flu clinic administrators.

UPMC Health Plan members also can get a flu shot from a participating provider at no out-of-pocket cost.

If plan members go to a clinic or pharmacy that is not a UPMC Health Plan participant, they will need to pay for the flu shot at the time of service and file a claim for reimbursement. Forms can be accessed at www.hr.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/COM-FluReimbursementForm.pdf.

Pitt flu shot clinics will be held:

• Sept. 17, lecture room 6 Scaife Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Sept. 26, 540 & 542 William Pitt Union, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Sept. 29, Student Health Service, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 3, 102 Benedum Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 10, Posvar Hall Galleria, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 12, Student Health Service, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 20, Student Health Service, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 24, 5th floor conference room Bridgeside Point Building, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Nov. 1, 342 Craig Hall, noon-2 p.m.

For more information, call Falk Pharmacy Community Care, 412/647-4003, or the Student Health Service, 412/383-1800, www.studhlth.pitt.edu.

Flu shot clinics also will be held on the regional campuses and at the Mechanicsburg satellite location.

• Mechanicsburg has a clinic scheduled for Oct. 4 in room 2 of the Computer Building, noon-2 p.m.

• Pitt-Greensburg has a clinic scheduled for Oct. 12, 214 Chambers Hall, 3-5 p.m.

• Pitt-Titusville is offering flu shots Sept. 26, 219 Student Union, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

Flu clinics at the Bradford and Johnstown campus are in the planning stages.

Flu season typically runs from December through March, peaking in January and February, but can start as early as October and last until May, according to CDC. Protection against influenza virus infection takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop fully in the body.

More information is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2011-2012.htm.

—Peter Hart