Get your dose on main campus until Oct. 26

A record-breaking 788 people were vaccinated on the first day of UCalgary flu shot clinics on Oct. 15, but that doesn’t mean the waits were long. Together, Staff Wellness and SU Wellness have the resources to get people in and out in less than 25 minutes — that includes the mandatory 15-minute after-vaccination waiting period.  

Steven Bryant, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, was one of the first to take advantage of flu shots on main campus when they began on Oct. 17 and despite a small lineup, he only waited six minutes for his vaccination.

“It was extremely convenient,” says Bryant. “It’s on my way to work so I could build it into my schedule instead of making a special trip.”

Health and social responsibility

Whether you’re finding time between classes or between meetings, there are many reasons to get your flu shot. The most obvious motive is to ward off the nasty viruses that are in circulation this flu season.

“Getting the flu shot is a lot more comfortable than getting the flu,” says Bryant. And he’s definitely on to something — a bout with the flu will typically last one to two weeks. Getting a flu shot on campus takes less than 30 minutes.

Protection against influenza is especially important to people like Jennifer Thannhauser, counsellor at the SU Wellness Centre.

“I get the flu shot because I take medication for a chronic illness, and it compromises my immune system,” she says. “Also because my grandparents are quite senior and I want to protect them.”

Michele Moon, mental health specialist in Human Resources, says getting an annual flu shot is the responsible thing to do.

“Immunization against the flu helps protect everyone, including people who are especially susceptible,” says Moon. “The flu shot is a matter of public health.” 

Five quick tips for mastering the act of the flu shot

1. Do your paper work ahead of time. It doesn’t take long to do it onsite, but you can skip that step entirely if you print out and complete the required forms before you head out to get your shot.
2. Bring your provincial health care number, if you have one. If you don’t, you can use your UCalgary identification number (UCID) instead. 
3. Wear short sleeves — the nurse will need access to those deltoids! 
4. Bring a buddy! After your flu shot, you’ll need to stay at the clinic location for a mandatory 15 minutes in case of an adverse reaction. Invite a colleague or two to come along with you and use the time to catch up with a friend or meet on a project.  
5. To take the edge off of any minor pain you may experience at the injection site, try applying a cold compress. 

Don’t believe myths about influenza immunization. Some people believe that you shouldn’t get a flu shot while you have a cold — that’s a myth, so don’t change your plans for a case of the sniffles. For more myth busting facts, read: Five common myths about the influenza vaccination.

Make your plan to get vaccinated

There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of on-campus flu shots. Make space in your calendar and invite your colleagues and friends to go with you.

• Main campus, Oct. 17 to 26 — walk-in only (students, faculty or staff)
• SMART building, Oct. 29 — walk-in or make an appointment (SMART building employees only)
• Downtown campus, Oct. 30 — walk-in or make an appointment (students, faculty or staff)
• Spy Hill campus, Nov. 2 — walk-in only (students, faculty or staff)
• Olympic Volunteer Centre, Nov. 5 — walk-in or make an appointment (students, faculty or staff)

View the complete schedule and appointment availability for all campuses.

Free influenza immunizations are offered to the UCalgary community thanks to partnerships with SU Wellness, Staff Wellness and the Students’ Union.