Welcome to the fall, the time of pumpkin-flavored everything, candy and haunted houses. It also means that flu season is upon us, so now is the time to make sure to protect yourself and your patients! The flu shot is FREE for all Case Western Reserve University students, faculty and staff. (All medical students must have their flu shot by Nov. 1.)
If you will be in patient care areas (even as an observer) during flu season, it is your professional obligation to get the flu vaccination. Further, the flu vaccine is required at ALL clinical sites so if you do not receive your flu vaccine on time, you may be refused entry to patient care areas.
CWRU faculty, staff and students can make and appointment to receive a flu vaccination at myhealthconnect.case.edu. There are additional opportunities for flu vaccinations, including walk-in visits and by appointment, that all faculty, staff and students can take advantage of in November. Please note that all medical students must have their flu vaccination completed by Nov. 1.
If you get your flu vaccine at an off-campus facility, please provide documentation to UHCS as soon as possible by uploading it via myhealthconnect.case.edu.
**Remember—it can take UHCS up to two weeks to review your uploaded documentation and update your compliance.**
Things to know before you get your shot:
- Please wear an outfit that allows the upper arm to be easily exposed.
- Bring a pen with you as there is a form to fill out.
- Bring your Case ID with you
- Don’t forget to pick up a proof-of-vaccine document when you get your shot. This will serve as temporary proof until UHCS updates your university health records online (myhealthconnect.case.edu).
If you are unable to get the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may need to apply for exemption from the site where you are rotating. This process may take 30 to 45 days to get approved, so check with your site ASAP to find out their process and guidelines. Students whose exemption applications are approved will be required to wear a mask during flu season in all patient care areas. Again, your rotation site will advise you further on this matter.
For more information about the flu vaccine, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
This article has been updated to clarify that additional opportunities to receive a flu shot are available in November 2021.