Dear Student,
Autumn is not only the beginning of the new academic year, but it is also the start of flu season. Again, this year, Tufts is strongly encouraging all students to receive a flu vaccination between September and December.
Even if you are healthy, you can still become sick with the flu and experience serious complications, including pneumonia. The flu vaccination is the most powerful protection to prevent serious illness.
To make it easier for those of you on campus to get your flu vaccination, there will be flu clinics run by Walgreens and staffed by health-care personnel on each campus, starting in September and running through October. For clinic locations, dates, and hours of operation, please visit go.tufts.edu/FluShot.
The influenza vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. The most common side effects from the flu shot are a sore arm and, occasionally, a low-grade fever and achiness. It is much safer to get a flu vaccination than it is to wait and “take your chances.”
If you wish to receive your flu vaccination at an on-campus clinic, please schedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance via the unique link provided for each date. You will be able to cancel or reschedule an appointment if necessary once it is made. The “high dose” flu vaccine will also be available for those who qualify.
I encourage you to get your flu vaccination as soon as you are able—either through the on-campus clinics or through your local pharmacy or primary care physician. Flu season can start early, so please make sure you are protected as soon as possible.
Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe and healthy this flu season.
Sincerely yours,
Michael R. Jordan, MD, MPH
University Infection Control Director
