Shots, prevention encouraged for this year’s flu season

Flu season is under way in Wisconsin, and the university community are encouraged to get vaccinated and practice common sense prevention steps to avoid illness this winter.

Already, more than 4,000 students and 2,800 faculty and staff members have taken advantage of vaccination opportunities. UW–Madison also has launched a Web site to keep campus abreast of the latest news, research and resources on influenza.

Although the series of on-campus faculty and staff vaccination clinics has ended, it isn’t too late to receive a shot. Flu season typically runs from November to March.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their private health care providers for more information about walk-in clinics or appointments. Members of Dean, Physicians Plus, Unity and Group Health Cooperative plans are eligible to receive the vaccination for free at their home clinic. Members are advised to call ahead to check schedules and availability.

University Health Services (UHS) provides free influenza vaccinations for all UW–Madison students. The shots are given on a walk-in basis at UHS’ 1552 University Ave. location, now through the end of the semester. Flu shot hours are 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.