Medical ServicesFlu Shots
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Public health experts recommend getting an annual influenza vaccine, or “flu shot,” to reduce the chance of getting the flu as well as to keep your family, friends and co-workers safe and healthy.
Columbia students, faculty, and staff on the Morningside campus may get a free flu shot at Medical Services in John Jay Hall by scheduling an appointment:
- using the secure online appointment system (you will need your Columbia UNI and password), or
- by phone at (212) 854-7426.
Medical Services can also provide flu shots to members of the Columbia community on the Morningside campus, but not their dependents (children, spouses or domestic partners). Barnard students should receive the annual flu shot at Barnard Primary Care Health Service. CUMC students should receive the flu shot at the CUMC Student Health Services.
CDC Guidelines for Seasonal Flu Shot
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than five (5) years of age
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
- Healthcare workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications of the flu
- Household contacts or caregivers of children less than six (6) months old
The flu shot is generally safe and effective, and utilizes an inactivated flu vaccine, which contains killed viruses. The flu shot protects people from three different flu viruses, including the H1N1 flu and two other influenza viruses.
Please check the following for more information about the seasonal flu shot:
- Stop the Flu From Stopping Your Prevention Poster (Columbia University)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - The CDC’s flu web portal, featuring everything about the 2011 seasonal flu.
- Flu.gov - Online resource for comprehensive information on seasonal, H1N1, H5N1 (bird flu) and pandemic flu.
- New York City Influenza Information - The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene online flu resource, including information specific to New York City residents.
| General Information | (212) 854-2284 |
| After-hours urgent health concerns | (212) 854-9797 |
| CU-EMS (Ambulance) | (212) 854-5555 |
| Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center | (212) 854-HELP |
| Uptown Campus Public Safety | |
| - On-Campus | 7-7979 |
| - Off-Campus | (212) 305-8100 |
