UTMB offers free flu shots to its employees, retirees and volunteers each year to help prevent the spread of seasonal influenza.
A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others against the illness, and it is especially important for people at high risk for flu-related complications to get vaccinated. The high-risk group includes adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.
The university’s Flu Free vaccination program is provided in partnership with UT SELECT, a PPO plan administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The 2014–2015 flu vaccine will be available in Galveston and mainland locations beginning Wednesday, Sept. 10.
As a condition of continued employment, all health care workers must get an annual flu shot or formally decline the vaccination by signing this statement. This institutional requirement applies to anyone who provides direct patient care, enters patient rooms and/or comes within six feet of patients in the course of his or her duties. Health care workers who do not receive the flu vaccine may be reassigned to other duties or asked to wear a mask when providing patient care for the duration of the flu season.
All other members of the UTMB community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, unless prohibited for medical reasons.
For more information about this year’s Flu Free vaccination program, including vaccination locations, frequently asked questions and tips on staying healthy during flu season, please see the Employee Health Clinic web page.
Thank you for getting vaccinated and helping to ensure the safety of our patients, students and staff.
Dr. David L. Callender
President
Dr. Danny O. Jacobs
Executive Vice President and Provost
Dean, School of Medicine
Ms. Donna K. Sollenberger
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer, UTMB Health System