UB faculty, staff and students can get their seasonal flu shot — a vaccination that public health officials say is more important than ever this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic — at influenza vaccination clinics being held now through mid-November on all three UB campuses.

The clinics are a collaboration among the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Student Health Services and pharmacists from Tops Markets, J. Rutowksi Pharmacies and Middleport Family Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify vaccinations as the “first and most important step” in protection against seasonal flu.

The schedule for the clinics is available online.

“As we move into the traditional flu season, we need to recognize the seriousness of having the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 both spreading at the same time,” says Susan Snyder, director, Student Health Services. “This situation makes getting a flu shot more important than ever.

“The partnership formed this year has resulted in a convenient way for UB community members to protect their personal health and a valuable clinical experience for our pharmacy students.”

Adds Karl Fiebelkorn, senior associate dean for student, professional and community affairs in the pharmacy school: “We are very pleased to collaborate with area independent pharmacies and UB Student Health Services to offer this program across all our campuses. This service makes it very convenient for students, as well as faculty and staff, to be immunized against the flu. It also continues the practical training of our student pharmacists in the area of vaccinations.”

No appointment is required. Participants should bring their UB ID card and health insurance card. Most insurances are accepted with no copay or deductible, including UB-sponsored health insurance. In lieu of health insurance, cash payments of $28 are accepted; no credit or debit cards are accepted.