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September 17, 2009

Seasonal flu clinics scheduled

Seasonal flu shots will be provided on various dates from Sept. 21 through Nov. 16 at select Pittsburgh campus locations.

In addition, Falk Pharmacy will provide seasonal flu shots 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Jan. 28 on the second floor of the Falk Medical Building.

Pitt health officials note that  seasonal flu shots do not protect against the H1N1 influenza. H1N1 flu vaccine is expected to be available beginning in mid-October, but federal guidelines will dictate its distribution priorities based on risk factors.

Ron Frisch, associate vice chancellor of Human Resources, said that on-campus H1N1 clinics will be scheduled once federal guidelines are announced and Pitt obtains the vaccine.

At all the seasonal 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.

Those who have other insurance must bring their valid University ID card and $25 cash or check payable to UPMC Falk Pharmacy. Cash and checks payable to Student Health Service will be accepted at the Student Health Service for their seasonal flu clinics on Oct. 21 and 27. However, cash will not be accepted at the other campus locations. Credit cards will not be accepted at any of the campus flu clinics.

Flu clinics will be held:

• Sept. 21: William Pitt Union Dining Room B, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Sept. 28: Posvar Hall Galleria, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 1: 402 Salk Hall, 1-6 p.m.

• Oct. 2: 1228 Cathedral of Learning, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 7: 1175 Benedum Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 12: 540 Bridgeside Point, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 16: 341 Craig Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 21: Student Health Service, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Oct. 27: Student Health Service, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Oct. 27: Posvar Hall Galleria, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Nov. 16: William Pitt Union Dining Room B, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

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Seasonal flu clinics also are scheduled for the regional campuses.

• Pitt-Johnstown has a clinic scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Cambria Room in the student union, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• Pitt-Greensburg has a clinic scheduled for Oct. 14 at 214 Chambers Hall, 3-6 p.m.

• Pitt-Titusville is offering flu shots by appointment in 219 Student Union.

Clinics already have been held at the Bradford campus.

Traditional flu season typically runs from December through March but can start as early as November, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protection against influenza virus infection takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop fully in the body.

In a typical year, seasonal influenza causes 36,000 deaths in the United States and more than 100,000 hospitalizations, CDC officials say.

—Peter Hart

Filed under: Feature,Volume 42 Issue 2

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