Influenza Vaccine
Seasonal influenza vaccines are recommended for all Northwestern University students. Living and working together in close quarters, as is typical in a university, increases the spread of influenza. The flu is unpredictable, and can affect us when we least expect it. If you or your friends get the flu, the results could be missed classes, missed work, or far worse--trips to the ER, hospitalization, and even death. Even if you are generally a healthy person, you can get sick from the flu. You can also spread the virus to others, even before showing any symptoms. The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis and can make chronic health problems worse. Students with any chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc. are considered to be at high risk for complications of influenza. Flu season usually begins in October and can last through May.
- Seasonal influenza vaccine is available to currently registered NU students at the Northwestern University Student Health Service Chicago/General Internal Medicine (675 N. St. Clair, Galter Pavilion, Suite 18-200)
- Vaccines will be given on an appointment basis. Call to schedule a nurse visit via the Patient Service Center at 312-695-8134 or schedule online via MyChart.
- Appointments are available on weekdays during business hours.
- Students must present a valid NU student ID (Wildcard) at the time of the appointment.
- If you have Aetna Student Health insurance through Northwestern, the cost of the vaccination will be billed to Aetna student insurance directly and you will have no out of pocket cost.
For additional influenza vaccine information, go to the CDC seasonal influenza web site.
The few minutes it will take you to get an influenza vaccine is much shorter than the days you might have to take off from school and/or work if you get sick with the flu. By protecting yourself with an influenza vaccine, you’ll help protect your family, friends, classmates, and co-workers, too. Influenza is widespread throughout the United States and is present on campus. It is not too late to be vaccinated. Call today to schedule your influenza vaccine.