Free flu shot clinics return to UCalgary Oct. 15–29

The University of Calgary is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to protect themselves during flu season. Free flu shot clinics will be available at all four local campuses from Oct. 15 to 29, providing an easy way for our community to stay protected.

Flu season coincides with some of the busiest times on campus, from midterm exams and fall convocation to bustling classrooms, labs and offices, making it an especially disruptive time to get sick. Even a few days of illness can mean missed classes, labs or deadlines, but getting the flu shot helps reduce the chance of an unforeseen disruption.

The flu is more serious than many people realize, says Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD'05, infectious disease specialist at the Cumming School of Medicine. 

“The flu is not just a bad cold. It can result in significant illness, and, in some cases, lead to hospitalization,” he says. “Getting the flu shot is about protecting yourself, but also the people around you —  classmates, colleagues and loved ones.”

UCalgary on-campus clinics help to ensure flu shots are accessible to more Calgarians. 

“University campuses are vibrant, busy places,” Jenne says. “With so many shared spaces, vaccines are a simple, effective tool to help reduce the spread of flu and keep our community healthy.”

He says getting vaccinated also means one less worry as students navigate a busy and stressful respiratory virus season, reducing the chances they will be fighting a nasty bug during courses and exams.

Each year, the flu shot is updated to better match circulating strains. This season, it is being offered free of charge at UCalgary clinics, with or without an appointment. Getting the flu shot remains one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of illness and helps limit the spread to those at greater risk of serious illness

Flu shot clinics will be running across campus from Oct. 15–29. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/flu.