November 4, 2004

Guidelines for flu shots updated

The University has obtained flu vaccine in sufficient quantity to administer to faculty and staff who are at greatest risk from serious complications from influenza disease, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

University retirees and their spouses with University identification are also eligible if they are in one of the defined groups.

Faculty and staff in these CDC-defined groups should seek the vaccination:

• those 65 years of age or older

• persons with these medical conditions: chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease excluding hypertension; asthma; chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes; serious kidney diseases excluding urinary tract infections and kidney stones; sickle cell anemia and severe thalassemia; weakened immune systems due to illness (e.g., HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, absent spleen) or medications (e.g., cancer chemotherapy)

• pregnant women after the first trimester of pregnancy

• parents of infants under the age of 6 months

The flu vaccinations will be administered to eligible Northwestern recipients by Omega Occupational Health Services, a subsidiary of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare on the following schedule.

Chicago

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall-Room 850

Tickets for the flu shots offered at the Chicago Campus can be purchased with a WildCard at the Chicago Bursar’s Office. The Bursar’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Evanston

Thursday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Norris Center, Northwestern A Room

Friday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Norris Center, Ohio State Room

Tickets for the flu shots offered at the Evanston Campus can be purchased with a WildCard at the Norris Center Box Office weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The cost for the shot is $25.

Identification and physician recommendation or age documentation is required.

Each recipient of a flu shot will be required to show a WildCard at the Chicago Bursar Office or the Norris Center Box Office when paying for the vaccination. The cashier’s receipt is to be presented at the location of the vaccination.

Age

At the vaccination site, in addition to the receipt for the payment, flu shot recipients over age 65 will need to show evidence of age, which may be a driver’s license or passport.

Medical condition

In addition to the receipt for payment, vaccination recipients with qualifying medical conditions or pregnancy must show a letter from a personal physician on the physician’s stationery stating that the recipient has been or is currently being treated for one of the medical conditions with risk of complications of influenza. A memo on a physician’s prescription form is sufficient.

Childcare

Parents of infants under the age of 6 months will need to show the child’s birth certificate along with the receipt for payment.

If you are concerned about the adequacy of your documentation, you may check with the nurse at the vaccination site prior to paying for the vaccination. No refunds will be given in cases of unsatisfactory documentation.

Questions about these arrangements can be directed to the Department of Human Resources by calling (847) 491-7505.