Clemson, USC ramp up annual flu shot competition

Clemson University and the University of South Carolina will not play on the gridiron this fall, but that has not stopped the rival institutions from keeping another important annual competition alive. The two schools will once again compete to see who can get the most flu vaccines. All Clemson students and employees can participate by self-reporting their vaccine through the National College Flu Vaccination Survey. The competition ends Wednesday, November 25.

Flu vaccines are more important than ever and can help reduce risk for yourself, your family and community. Doing your part to help fight the flu can also reduce the burden of illness on the health care system and save medical resources to care for people battling COVID-19. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu, so get a vaccine now before Thanksgiving break!

Please note: you should not receive a flu vaccine when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are in isolation or quarantine.

POP-UP CLINICS

Vaccine clinics will be held on main campus from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the following locations:

Thursday, November 5 – McAlister Dining Hall
Tuesday, November 10 – Hub at Douthit Hills
Wednesday, November 11 – McAlister Dining Hall
Thursday, November 12 – Hub at Douthit Hills
Tuesday, November 17 – McAlister Dining Hall
Wednesday, November 18 – Hub at Douthit Hills
Thursday, November 19 – McAlister Dining Hall

REDFERN HEALTH CENTER

Students may also get a seasonal flu vaccine offered through Redfern Health Center. Schedule an appointment online in MyHealth-e or by calling the pharmacy at 864-656-3562. Most flu vaccines in Redfern’s pharmacy will be covered by health insurance. Please bring your pharmacy insurance card or upload it in MyHealth-e.

If not covered, the vaccine costs $39.99. This can be paid at the time of service or added to your student account. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, debit, credit, Apple Pay, HAS or Tiger Stripe. You can also pay for the vaccine online in MyHealth-e. The vaccine is covered 100-percent through the University’s student health insurance plan through Redfern or preferred providers. 

SULLIVAN CENTER

Flu vaccines are free for State Health Plan subscribers, spouses and dependents through Joseph F. Sullivan Center. The flu vaccine protects against several strains of influenza, reduces severity and length in those who get the flu, and protects those individuals around a person who might not be able to get a flu shot. Flu shots this year will also reduce the chance of what health experts have dubbed a “twindemic,” where two critical upper respiratory viruses — influenza and COVID-19 — are circulating simultaneously.

Call 864-656-3076 to make an appointment during available nurse hours, which are limited due to COVID-19.