September 22, 2021 Dear Student,
We hope you are staying safe and well as we move further into the new school year. As you know, flu season is fast approaching. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that everyone in the Emory community take steps now to get the shot and avoid contracting the flu.
We must work together to keep our entire university community as healthy as possible and minimize the pandemic’s impact on students’ academic schedules and Emory experience. It is also critical to avoid confusing flu with COVID-19 symptoms and help reduce the already heavy burden on our health care systems from a significant number of COVID-related and other illnesses.
Flu shots are required for spring enrollment.
Emory University now requires that all students, faculty, and staff receive a flu vaccination by Oct. 29. It takes about two weeks for the body to respond to the vaccine and develop immunity to the flu. However, keep in mind that the sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you will begin protecting yourself, your family and friends, and the community.
Getting your flu shot
If this location is not convenient, students may receive their flu vaccine through their primary healthcare provider, a local pharmacy, or other walk-in flu clinics. Most insurance will cover flu shots at 100 percent as a preventative service but, to be sure, confirm with your specific insurance plan.
After receiving the flu vaccination, all students must complete Emory’s Flu Attestation Form affirming that they have received a flu vaccine (regardless of where they received it) and provide the date it was received – or request a qualified medical or religious exemption.
For more information, please visit the Student Health Services Join the Fight Against Flu webpage.
Thank you for your commitment to helping Emory maintain a safe and healthy environment for every member of the university community that we all share. Stay safe and well.
In health,
Sharon Rabinovitz, MD Executive Director Emory University Student Health Services |