Employee Health Services is holding a series of flu clinics over the next several weeks, at which free flu shots will be available to staff, students, residents, volunteers and vendors.
While some clinical institutions require all employees be vaccinated against influenza every year, UConn Health does not. But UConn Health is required to report the flu vaccine status of its employees to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Those who attend an Employee Health flu clinic can receive a flu shot, report that they are declining it altogether, or report that they either have received or will receive it somewhere else.
Once recorded in a password-protected database, the information is reported in aggregate to CMS. It remains confidential. An employee’s flu vaccine status is protected health information and cannot be used against him or her.
“Your cooperation goes a long way in helping us be in compliance,” says Cheryl Marenick, the nurse who oversees the Employee Health flu vaccine program. “Even if you don’t get a flu shot, we need you to report that to us. If you choose to get a flu shot, even better—we’re happy to do that for you. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and our patients from influenza.”
Employee Health has scheduled several walk-in flu clinics, with reminders and updates to come in Lifeline and The Pulse:
- Monday, Oct. 24, 12:30 to 4 p.m., Onyiuke Dining Room
- Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Onyiuke Dining Room
- Thursday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Munson Training Room
- Monday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ARB Large Conference Room
- Monday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Outpatient Pavilion 7th floor large conference room
A UConn Health ID badge or employee number is required.
Individual flu shot appointments also can be made by calling Employee Health Services at x2893. Those who get the flu shot elsewhere or decline it altogether can report by email to Louisa Pickett.