Stay Healthy this Flu Season, Get a Flu Shot!

Dear Colleagues:

As flu season quickly approaches we are writing to remind you that, as called for in the Syracuse University SAFE public health framework [PDF] (June 2020) and the reopening plan submitted to the New York State Department of Health [PDF] (July 2020), all members of our community are expected to get an influenza vaccine. This includes faculty and staff who routinely access campus—including temporary staff. As Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie stated in a campuswide message earlier this week, a concurrent outbreak of influenza and COVID-19 on our campus could have devastating consequences for individual and community health, make COVID-19 cases more challenging to detect and diagnosis, and also potentially overwhelm the capacity of the local health care system.

Getting a flu shot is simple. You can:

1. visit your primary care doctor;
2. stop by a local pharmacy; or
3. attend the on-campus flu clinic.

Outlined below is additional information about each of these options, as well as guidance for those who need an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

If You Visit Your Primary Care Doctor

• If you are a member of the Syracuse University health plan, you and your eligible dependents may obtain a flu vaccine at no cost through your doctor’s office using your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) member ID card.
• Later this month, you will receive an attestation survey link. When you do, please complete the survey to affirm you have received the flu vaccine.

If You Visit a Local Pharmacy

• For maximum flexibility, you may use either your OptumRx or your Excellus BCBS member ID card when receiving covered vaccines at a participating pharmacy at no cost to you. To locate a participating pharmacy, contact the customer service team by calling the number on the back of your OptumRx or Excellus BCBS ID card.
• Later this month, you will receive an attestation survey link. When you do, please complete the survey to affirm you have received the flu vaccine.

Attend the On-Campus Flu Clinic

• Throughout the month of October, Syracuse University will be operating a flu shot clinic on campus.
• The clinic will begin on Monday, Oct. 5.
• Appointments for a flu shot are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. at either the Stadium (North Campus) or Skybarn (South Campus). Appointments are required to allow for appropriate social distancing.
• To schedule an appointment, visit the flu vaccine clinic webpage on the Wellness Initiative website.
• Please bring your Syracuse University I.D. card and wear a face mask or covering to your flu shot appointment. Temporary employees may show an alternate photo ID.
• There is no need to complete the Syracuse University flu vaccine attestation form if you receive your vaccination at the on-campus flu clinics.

If You Have a Medical or Religious Exemption

• Staff and faculty who intend to pursue a medical or religious exemption will have the opportunity to do so in the attestation survey that will be available later this month.

We appreciate your continued support in protecting the health and well-being of all our campus community members. If you have any questions, visit the Fall 2020 website or Wellness Initiative flu information website, or contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost