Campus & Community

Getting a Flu Shot Is Required, Easy and Smart!

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, By News Staff

Dear Students and Families:

As flu season quickly approaches, I am writing to remind you that, as outlined in the Syracuse University SAFE Plan [PDF] and the Stay Safe Pledge, all students are required to get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu shot is easy; we are offering a flu clinic, open to all students, beginning Oct. 5 and continuing throughout the month.

Flu Clinic Details, Logistics and Must-Knows!

  • Who: All students, including those who live on campus; those who live off campus and/or will use campus facilities, such as the libraries, Barnes Center, etc.; and those who are studying remotely for fall 2020, but will return to campus in spring 2021.
  • Cost: The flu clinic will be provided at no cost to students.
  • Scheduling: Starting on Oct. 3, students can begin scheduling appointments through the Patient Portal. Appointments can be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance for a flu shot Monday–Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at either the Stadium or Skybarn on South Campus. Appointments begin Oct. 5.
  • Failure to comply: Failure to comply will result in a referral to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and may impact access to campus.
  • Exceptions: The only exception to this requirement is a religious or medical exemption.

How to Get Your Flu Shot

  • Log in to the Patient Portal with your SU NetID and password.
  • Select “Appts” on the main menu.
  • In the drop-down section:
    • Under “Clinic,” select “Health Clinic”
    • Under “Reason,” select “Flu Shot Appointment 2020”
    • Under “Provider,” select the location for your appointment (Stadium or Skybarn)
    • Select “Submit”
  • Select your appointment date and time (no more than 48 hours in advance).

Upon signing up, you will receive a confirmation to your Syracuse University email with appointment details and needed forms. If you are actively enrolled in the Syracuse University Student Health Insurance Plan, you do not need to bring your insurance information. If you are not actively enrolled in the Syracuse University Student Health Insurance Plan, then please be sure to bring your pharmacy benefit card and health insurance card to your appointment. 

If You Get Your Vaccine at Another Provider

While the University is offering a flu clinic, students can obtain their flu shot through another medical provider or at a pharmacy. If you get your flu shot elsewhere, you must provide proof of your vaccine in the Patient Portal.

  • Log in to the Patient Portal with your SU NetID and password.
  • Select “Upload” on the main menu.
  • Follow the upload instructions.
  • Select “Flu Vaccine Documentation” from the drop-down menu.
  • Add your proof of vaccination.

If You have a Medical or Religious Exemption

Students who need to waive the flu vaccine requirement for a medical or religious reason must submit a Medical or Religious Waiver form through the Patient Portal. If you have already submitted a waiver for another vaccination, you do not need to take any further action. If you do not have a waiver form on file, you must upload the form and supporting documentation into the Patient Portal.

  • Log in to the Patient Portal with your SU NetID and password.
  • Select “Forms” from the main menu.
  • Under Student Forms, select the “Medical-Religious Waiver” form to print the waiver to sign.
  • Once you have signed the waiver and added required supporting documentation, select “Upload” on the home screen.
  • Follow the upload instructions.
  • In the drop-down section, select “Medical or Religious Waiver Form.”
  • Select the completed waiver file to upload.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Additional information about the flu clinic and public health guidance is available on the Fall 2020 website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen Nardella
Medical Director, Barnes Center at The Arch