Flu shot

Getting your flu shot is more important than ever

Bruce A. McPheron, PhD, Executive VP and Provost; Harold L. Paz, MD, Executive VP and Chancellor for Health Affairs, CEO, Wexner Medical Center; Susan Basso, Senior VP, Talent, Culture and Human Resources; Melissa Shivers, PhD, VP, Student Life | October 7, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

This year, the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time, increasing the risk of being exposed to both viruses. The combination of the two viruses could be life-threatening.

This is why it is important — now more than ever — to get your flu shot to help keep you and your family, friends and peers healthy and safe.

All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as possible, whether you have returned to a campus or are at home. This request applies to all Buckeyes, but please note that employees at the Wexner Medical Center, some health sciences colleges and Student Health Services have enhanced compliance requirements.

By acting now, you can reduce your risk from the flu and help avoid overburdening our health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, and both viruses are contagious. If flu cases are mistaken for COVID-19, it could increase the need for coronavirus testing, putting stress on COVID-19 testing capacity.

To provide more information about the flu shot and how to stop the spread of the flu, we have prepared a 10-minute online training in BuckeyeLearn. We have also included information at the bottom of this email about flu shot locations and resources.  Additional information about flu shots is available on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

Thank you for doing your part to help to keep our community healthy.