Experts predict a wave of COVID and flu infections as the weather turns colder and people spend more time indoors. Protect your friends, loved ones, and your campus community by encouraging them to get a flu vaccine and an updated COVID vaccine.
People age 5 – 11 years of age are now recommended to get an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster dose at least two months after their primary COVID-19 series or their last COVID-19 booster shot. Remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is free through the end of this year.
You can use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations map to find COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year unless they cannot because of medical reasons. People are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if they are eligible. It’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine, especially for people at higher risk of serious illness from flu and COVID-19. See here for more information about the flu.
For your flu shot, start with your medical home – a place you regularly receive health care. Other options include pharmacies and local retail locations (like CVS, HyVee or Walgreens).
You can also check for flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments at vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type.
Always remember to:
- Cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay home when sick to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and flu.
- If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before you get your flu vaccine.
- If you are a student, report a positive COVID-19 test to covid@smumn.edu. If you are an employee, report a positive COVID-19 test to hr@smumn.edu
- If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. See here for more information.
