Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Health Center will be offering H1N1 flu vaccinations free of charge to UGA students, spouses and domestic partners who fall under the CDC guidelines (www.cdc.gov).These include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people 25 through 64 years of age who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
The vaccine, in both nasal spray and injections, will be available at flu vaccine clinics at the University Health Center on Dec. 2, 3, and 4 and the Tate Center on Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.Dates and times of any additional clinics will be posted on the University Health Center website at www.uhs.uga.edu .
A valid UGA ID is required to receive a vaccination.Students are urged to carpool or take the bus to the health center since parking is needed for patients who are sick or injured.
In addition, H1N1 vaccinations also are available by appointment at the health center.Students can make appointments with their primary care providers or medical team.
” The H1N1 vaccine is produced in the same way and is very similar to the seasonal vaccine used every year,” said Dr. Ron Forehand, University Health Center medical director. “It is manufactured and purified in the same factories. All completed testing indicates it has similar side effects as seasonal vaccine, including sore arms and mild fever. Importantly, the vaccine matches the H1N1 variant that is causing disease globally.”
A limited number of seasonal flu shots are still available to students for $15. Immunization for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is required to be fully protected this year.
At this time the University Health Center will not be providing H1N1 vaccinations for faculty or staff.Seasonal flu shots, while supplies last, are available to faculty and staff by appointment for $25.See www.uhs.uga.edu for availability.