We’re sharing details on when and where you can receive your vaccine before the compliance deadline and answering frequently asked questions from staff members.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Flu shots are currently available for students and faculty and staff members by appointment at multiple locations on and off campus. Find details on vaccination sites, reporting procedures, and compliance deadlines.
Can the flu shot give you the flu?
You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine; in fact, most vaccinations do not use a live virus. It is common to mistakenly confuse flu symptoms with the vaccine side effects, such as a minor fever, or the possibility that you may have caught the flu prior to getting the flu vaccine without having developed signs and symptoms.
I’m allergic to eggs, should I get the flu vaccine?
A vaccine is available to those with egg allergies through the University of Miami Health System. Work with your provider directly to ensure you are receiving the correct vaccination. This year, there are three types of flu vaccinations available: Fluzone Quadrivalent, for persons 6 months of age and older; Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, for persons 65 years of age and older; and Flublok Quadrivalent, for those who are allergic to egg proteins.
I just received or started my COVID-19 vaccine series. Do I have to wait to get a flu vaccine?
No. The CDC no longer recommends waiting between vaccines. Please see the language from the CDC website.
Why do I need to get the flu shot every year?
Influenza viruses are continually changing, which is why the vaccine must be updated often. A vaccine created one year may not cover viruses circulating the next season, and immunity developed one year may not last through the following year's flu season.
Can I take antivirals if I get sick?
It is best to take precautions to prevent the flu with annual immunization. You can seek treatment for the flu; but in the meantime, you may have already passed on the virus to family, friends, patients, and coworkers since viral shedding may occur up to three days prior to the appearance of symptoms. In addition, resistance to antiviral drugs can develop in circulating virus strains, therefore compromising the effectiveness of the drugs for people who need them the most—those at high risk for severe health complications.
This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Bhavarth Shukla.
Learn more: Medical experts: Flu vaccines have many benefits, few side-effects
