Medical Services
Flu 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.  

 

Flu Shots @ Medical Services

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:

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 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued universal guidance recommending all individuals six (6) months of age or older receive the seasonal flu shot. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each year, it is especially important for those in the following high-risk groups, since they are at increased risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk of developing flu-related complications: 
  1. Pregnant women
  2. Children younger than five (5) years of age
  3. People 50 years of age and older
  4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.)
  5. People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
  6. 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.

Additional Resources

Please check the following for more information about the seasonal flu shot:

 

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