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Flu Shots and Prevention
The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine can keep you in class, at work, doing the things you love.
On this page:
What is Flu?
Flu — also known as influenza — is a contagious respiratory illness that typically spreads every winter, usually between October and May. It is caused by influenza viruses and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. If you have a fever, cough, fatigue or body aches, you may have the flu.
UB students, faculty and staff are eligible for annual flu clinics. Most health insurance plans cover the flu vaccine (if it is not a covered benefit, you can choose to pay out-of-pocket on-site). Please remember to bring your health insurance card with you.
In addition to flu vaccine, the pharmacies will be offering the newest COVID-19 vaccine formula once it becomes available in late September/early October.
Off Campus Availability
Flu and COVID vaccinations are available at many off-campus retail pharmacy locations each fall. Contact your health insurance provider to find out which pharmacies participate with your plan.
The following pharmacies are accessible by car or UB's Shopping Shuttle service:
- Tops, University Plaza, Main Street (within walking distance of South Campus)
- Tops, Maple Road at North Bailey Ave.
- Walmart, Sheridan Drive
- Walgreens, Main Street (Within walking distance of South Campus)
- Wegmans, Alberta Drive
- CVS in Target, Niagara Falls Blvd
Health-related Professions Students Required to Submit Flu Vaccine Proof Annually
UB’s health-related professional students are required to submit proof of the influenza vaccination annually. The academic department sets the deadline. However, keep the following in mind when submitting the documentation to UB Health Services:
- Each student is responsible for submitting their Vaccine Administration Record (VAR) to Student Health Services.
- When submitting proof of flu vaccination, you must obtain a copy of the VAR, or a copy of the immunization record on letterhead.
- The VAR or immunization record must include: date the flu shot was administered, lot number, manufacturer, and expiration date.
- All pharmacies are capable of providing a printout of the VAR – you should ask for this specific form by name.
- Asking for “something to show my school” is not specific enough.
- Receipts of payment/copays from pharmacies are NOT adequate as proof of a flu vaccine, as they do not show that the vaccine was actually administered.
- Submit your VAR to Student Health Services:
- By paper mail (address is: Student Health Services, 4350 Maple Rd, Amherst, NY 14226;
- By Fax: 716-829-2564;
- By upload to the patient portal
- Once the appropriate documentation is received, Student Health Services will update your records. Please allow several days for data entry.
- Do not wait until your department’s deadline to submit your VAR to Student Health Services.
Ways to Protect Yourself From the Flu
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are easy steps you can take to help stop the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms
- Isolate yourself from others until you have not had a fever (or signs of a fever) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines
- UB students can contact Student Health Services (716-829-3316) for advice
- If you have flu symptoms, please wear a mask
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, you should seek medical care immediately.
Contagious? Stay home and rest.
With any contagious illness, you should try to limit contact with others to contain the spread of the disease. It is best for everyone if you remain at home (unless you’re going to see a health care provider) until you are better and no longer infectious.
No Notes for Missing Class or Work
Student Health Services does not issue notes to excuse class or work absences. To learn more please visit our policies page.
Need Help?
Student Life
University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd
Amherst, NY 14226
Phone: 716-829-3316; Fax: 716-829-2564