Annual vaccination is an important step people can take to protect themselves and others from the flu. The Office of Human Resources has announced that University health plan participants may now get flu shots and other covered vaccines at more than 68,000 pharmacies with $0 copay. In addition, several convenient and free on-campus flu clinics for 2017 have been announced.
University health plan participants can now utilize their OptumRx member ID card and receive a flu vaccination and other covered vaccines through OptumRx’s pharmacy network with $0 copay. For vaccines not provided through a pharmacy, members may continue to obtain covered vaccines through their doctor’s office using their POMCO member ID card through Dec. 31.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, when Excellus BlueCross BlueShield becomes the Syracuse University health care provider, University health plan participants may use either their OptumRx or their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield member ID card when receiving covered vaccines at a participating pharmacy with $0 copay. For vaccines not provided through a pharmacy, members may obtain covered vaccines through their doctor’s office using their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ID card.
With the expansion of participating pharmacies, including most national chain pharmacies and independent local pharmacies, health plan participants can identify a participating pharmacy online by logging into www.optumrx.com or by using the mobile app [PDF].
Campus Flu Clinics
In addition, Syracuse University Health Services and the Office of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Onondaga County Health Department, will continue their partnership and offer free flu vaccines to the Syracuse University community. This year, Health Services will be immunizing with the broader quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses.
There are several upcoming opportunities for students, faculty and staff to get the flu vaccine on campus. Plan to stop by to get your vaccine to maximize your protection throughout the flu season.
For faculty and staff:
- Thursday, Sept. 14, at a Benefits Fair, 11 a.m.-2. p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium (Graduate assistants and retirees are welcome to attend the fair and receive a free flu vaccine.)
- Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium
- Monday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Skytop Office Building, large conference room (second floor)
- Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Miron Special Events Room, 303 Newhouse 1
For undergraduate and graduate students with an active SU ID:
- Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium
- Students will receive email notification about additional clinics that will be set up at Health Services, as well as various residence halls around campus.
- Flu vaccinations are also available to students at the pharmacy at Health Services on a walk-in basis.
Individuals must present an SU ID at the clinic to receive the vaccine. Temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. No appointments are necessary.
For general questions about the flu vaccine or if you are a student with questions, please call SU Health Services at 315.443.9005. Faculty and staff may contact the University Wellness Initiative at 315.443.5472 or wellness@syr.edu or the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu with any questions.