Today@Dal

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics will be available to Dalhousie faculty and staff beginning the week of November 5th, 2012.

The university will pay the cost of the flu vaccine for faculty and staff, which this year is administrative costs only, as the Nova Scotia Department of Health is providing the vaccine free to everyone over six months of age.

Registration is required for the seasonal flu clinics. You can register for these clinics online and provide the requested information. Note: Remember to bring your Dalhousie employee ID to the clinic.

Please plan to attend one of the clinics below:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Schedule

Wednesday, November 7, 2012
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Student Union Building – Rooms 316 & 318, Studley Campus

Thursday, November 8, 2012
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building
Lord Dalhousie Room and Munro Room, Studley Campus

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dentistry Building – Room 2005, Carleton Campus

Thursday, November 15, 2012
10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Morroy Building – Room MA120
5269 Morris Street, Sexton Campus

NOTE
Flu clinics will be held for faculty and staff at the Agricultural Campus. Dates, times, location and registration will be communicated the first week of November.

The Department of Facilities Management will hold separate clinics for its staff members. These staff members will be notified shortly by the department of the details (date, times, location, registration) for these clinics.  

All faculty and staff are encouraged to receive the flu shot and can also do so free of charge from their own family physician. People in the high risk category are especially encouraged to receive the flu shot. High risk populations are: 1) people over age 65; 2) babies age 6 to 23 months; 3) adults and children with chronic heart and lung problems, and other chronic diseases; 4) anyone living in the same household as people over 65 or people with chronic illnesses; 5) all health-care workers and students in health-care educational programs for whom it is provided.

FLU FACTS

- A flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu.
- A flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
- Vaccine side effects are relatively minor.
- November to April is flu season.
- The flu is not a bad cold, is easy to catch and easy to spread.
- Chronic medical conditions (i.e. bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease) place you at great risk of serious complications from the flu.

FAQs

Should I get the flu shot?
Everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot each year. Getting the shot improves chances of having a flu-free winter and also avoids transmitting the virus through contacts with people, especially those at high risk of flu-related complications.

Certain groups should not be vaccinated. These include children less than six months of age and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Why do I need to get the seasonal flu vaccine each year?
It is important to receive the seasonal flu vaccine each year because different flu strains can circulate each season.

If you have any inquiries, contact Maya Churbaji, Human Resources at 494-1134 or maya.churbaji@dal.ca.