Foil the Flu

What's New

The annual influenza vaccine clinic sponsored by the NIH Office of Research Services and the Clinical Center will begin offering flu vaccinations on October 3, 2016 in the
Building 10, CRC, 7th Floor Atrium, East Side  and at certain off-campus locations.

Starting October 13, there will also be off-campus sites providing free flu shots. Shady Grove, Bayview, Poolesville, Neuroscience Center, Fishers Lane and Rockledge locations are included on the schedule.

To view the 2016 Vaccination Schedule, visit: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/flu/Pages/vaccine_sched.aspx

Staff ages 65 and older will be eligible to receive a high-dose vaccine that stimulates a stronger immune response. People age 65 and older tend to develop lower levels of protective antibodies with a traditional dose vaccine. To learn more about the high-dose flu shot, visit: http://go.usa.gov/PAUY.

All staff (including contractors) with a valid NIH identification badge will be provided the seasonal flu vaccine free of charge while supplies last. Please dress appropriately in clothing that will let you quickly expose your upper arm; changing areas will not be available.

In 2008, the Clinical Center Medical Executive Committee mandated that all staff who have patient contact—nurses and doctors but also clerks, housekeepers, and others—must be vaccinated against influenza or complete a declination form. Immunization of health-care workers has been proven to save patient lives, especially in immune-compromised patients. Declination must be done in person at Occupational Medical Service (Building 10/6C306). Documentation will be required for all declinations, as well as for immunizations received outside NIH. Those who submitted written provider documentation of most medical contraindications last year need not do so again. Those who have severe egg allergies will no longer be exempt if egg-free recombinant vaccine (Flublok) is available. Interested staff should review the following information before visiting the clinic: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_flublok-vaccine.htm.

Links

• CDC Influenza Vaccine Information Statement 2015-2016
• Flu Facts Vaccine Promotional Flyer
• Flu Vaccination Schedule
• Foil the Flu FAQs
• Community Resources for the Flu Vaccine
• Information on Influenza, Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza
• Patient-Care Staff (NIH Internal Link - Health Care Workers Only)
• "All Pregnant Women Should Get Flu Vaccine, Says ACOG"

Contact

• If you have questions about the influenza vaccine, call the Clinical Center Hospital Epidemiology Service (301-496-2209)