The 2017-2018 flu season was record-breaking, with 176 flu-related deaths among children, the most in a single flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were high levels of outpatient clinic and emergency room visits for influenza-like illness, high influenza-related hospitalization rates, and elevated and widespread flu activity across the U.S.

Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, according to the CDC.

At UF Health, flu vaccination is mandatory and includes everyone — clinical and non-clinical staff, volunteers, UFJP employees, University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville employees, UF TEAMS employees and UF Health Proton Therapy Institute employees.

Flu shots will be administered on the downtown and north campuses Oct. 1 – 31. Vaccines will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays on the UF Health Jacksonville campus at Employee Health, located in Tower I on the fifth floor, and during open enrollment in the LRC atrium.

Flu shots will be given at UF Health North via a roving cart and during open enrollment in the bed tower first floor conference rooms. UF Health North employees can also visit the Employee Health north campus location from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except during open enrollment Oct. 22 – 26. The UF Health North Employee Health office is located in Human Resources on the first floor of the bed tower.

Nursing units and practices who choose to administer their own flu vaccines may contact Ledia Moore at Ledia.Moore@jax.ufl.edu for further instructions. Employees who choose to have their flu shots administered at an outside facility can email the administration form to Employee.Health@jax.ufl.edu or fax it to 244.9577 or 427.6719.

Past exclusions still apply, including:

• Those who have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome after receiving the vaccine.
• Those who have previously suffered a significant allergic reaction to the vaccine
• Those with legitimate religious reasons
• Those with significant allergies to eggs

In each case, the appropriate paperwork must be provided to Employee Health to opt out. Documentation from a religious leader on letterhead stationery is acceptable.

Employees who decline the flu shot must fill out a form indicating their refusal and view a mandatory flu presentation in HealthStream.

Visit the Bridge for a complete list of flu vaccination dates, locations and times.