Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Testing Opportunities Continue Throughout October for Students, Faculty and Staff

Opportunities for the campus community to receive a flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 testing continue weekdays throughout the month of October as part of the University’s ongoing effort to keep our campus safe, healthy and open for residential learning.

As outlined in the Syracuse University SAFE public health framework [PDF], all members of the Syracuse University community who access campus services are expected to get a flu shot this year. Additionally, a permanent COVID-19 testing site opened earlier this month at the stadium and is available to students, faculty and staff Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here is what you need to know.

Information for Students

• Flu shots: All students, including those who live on campus; those who live off campus and/or use campus facilities, such as the libraries; and those who are studying remotely for fall 2020, but will return to campus in spring 2021, are required to get a flu shot. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at both the stadium (enter at Gate N) and Skybarn. Appointments are required and can be made via the Patient Portal up to 72 hours in advance. Alternatively, students may be vaccinated by a medical provider or pharmacy off campus and upload documentation that they received the vaccine via the Patient Portal. Learn more about receiving a flu shot (or documenting a needed religious or medical exemption) on the Barnes Center website.
• COVID-19 Testing: As announced by Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie last week, the University’s third round of COVID-19 surveillance testing is currently underway. Residential students are required to participate by Oct. 27 based on class year as follows.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: juniors, seniors, graduate and law students
  • Friday, Oct. 23, and Monday, Oct. 26: First-year students and sophomores
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: Alternate testing day for all students who weren’t able to get tested at an earlier date

Appointments are not required for COVID-19 testing. Please bring your Syracuse University I.D. card and wear a face mask or covering to your flu vaccine appointment or to receive a COVID-19 test.

Information for Faculty and Staff

Flu Vaccines

Faculty and staff can obtain their flu vaccine in one of the following ways:

1. Visit your primary care doctor. If you are a member of a Syracuse University health plan, you and your eligible dependents may obtain a flu vaccine through your doctor’s office using your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) ID card. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months or older, and a high-dose vaccine may be available to individuals ages 65 years or older.
2. Stop by 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. If you need help locating a participating pharmacy, contact the customer service team by calling the number on the back of your OptumRx or Excellus BCBS ID card.
3. Attend an onsite flu clinic. Faculty and staff members—including temporary staff—may schedule an appointment for a flu shot at either the Stadium (enter at Gate N) or Skybarn (151 Farm Acre Rd., South Campus) Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Appointments can be made on the flu vaccine webpage of the Wellness Initiative website, with new time slots opening up each Thursday for the week that follows.

If a faculty and staff member receives a flu vaccine at a location off campus, or has a medical or religious exemption, they’ll be required to complete a brief attestation survey via Qualtrics. This step is not necessary for faculty and staff members who participate in an on-campus flu clinic.

COVID-19 Testing

Faculty and staff are also encouraged to take advantage of on-campus testing for COVID-19 at the stadium weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. without an appointment. Please bring your Syracuse University I.D. card and wear a face mask or covering to your flu shot appointment or to receive a COVID-19 test. Temporary employees may show an alternate photo ID. For faculty and staff, short-term parking near the stadium is available in the Quad Lot.

Questions?

If you have questions about the flu vaccine, students may contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000, and faculty and staff may reach out to HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu. If you have questions about being tested for COVID-19, please contact the Syracuse University Public Health Team at 315.443.6180 or SUcovid@syr.edu.