The Marquette University Medical Clinic will host two more flu vaccine clinics on-campus this fall. They will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, on the second floor at the AMU from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For employees participating in one of Marquette’s medical plans, there is no charge for the vaccine. Please bring your UMR insurance card with you to the clinic. For those not enrolled in a Marquette medical plan, the cost is $25.
As a reminder, the 2023-24 wellness year began on Oct. 1. You can earn 25 My Wellness points for receiving and tracking your flu vaccine in the My Wellness Portal. Learn more about the wellness program and how to earn points here.
What to know about this year’s flu season – from the Live Well, Work Well Newsletter
Influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May in the United States, with peak flu activity between December and March. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing and duration of flu activity have been unpredictable. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported early increases in seasonal flu last year. The Southern Hemisphere also experienced an early surge of flu activity this year, which may indicate what’s to come in the United States.
Furthermore, health experts anticipate another wave of respiratory viral infections this fall, namely from the flu, the virus that causes COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Fortunately, vaccines for all three viruses will be available for the first time in the fall. Vaccinations have been shown to reduce hospitalizations and death and may be particularly beneficial for those with compromised health.
Tips for Staying Healthy
The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider the following suggestions:
- Get vaccinated. Being vaccinated against the flu is your best chance of preventing the illness. The CDC recommends that anyone six months and older get a flu shot every year. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from others when you feel unwell. Because flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, doctors say it’s best to get tested to know what you have.
- Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs.
- Sleep well, stay active and drink plenty of water to keep your immune system strong.
- Eat a nutritious diet of healthy grains, fruits, vegetables and fiber.
