Fredonia is partnering with Wegmans Pharmacy for the first time to make flu vaccines available on campus to faculty and staff.
“Our goal is to offer a venue in which Fredonia campus community members can get their flu shot without having to leave campus,” said Deborah Dibble, director of the Student Health Center.
Vaccines will be offered to faculty and staff during flu clinics at the information desk in the Williams Center on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We wanted to provide an opportunity for faculty and staff here on campus so they could use their insurance card, instead of paying $20 out-of-pocket,” Ms. Dibble said.
The flu shot is covered without a copay by most insurance plans. Recipients are to bring their insurance cards with them. Common insurances accepted include: Blue Cross of WNY, Empire (NYSHIP), Excellus, Fidelis, Independent Health, most Medicare plans, Univera and Your Care. The retail price is $29.99 unless covered by insurance. Children as young as 2 years of age can also receive the vaccine.
Appointments are highly recommended for faculty and staff and can be made at https://wegmansfoodmarkets.fullslate.com/
Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death, Dibble explained. “Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year,” she added.
“An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu,” Dibble said.
