Flu FAQs

Will the flu shot protect me against the coronavirus?

The flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, but it does have many important benefits, including the ability to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Getting a flu shot is important in reducing your risk of flu illness, as well as helping to conserve potentially scarce health care resources. 

Visit the CDC website for more information.

Frequent Questions

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Will getting the flu vaccination give me the flu?

  • You cannot get the flu from the inactivated flu vaccine (injectable vaccine — "flu shot"). This vaccine contains killed influenza virus.

Where will the flu & COVID vaccination clinics be located?

  • Flu and COVID vaccination clinics will be held at Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center, as well as two clinics at the St. Paul Student Center.

     

Why should I get a flu vaccination?

  • Receiving your annual flu vaccination is the best protection against the flu for you, your family, friends, and the community. By getting your flu vaccine, you’re protecting yourself and helping stop the spread of the flu.
  • There is also evidence that, if the virus is contracted, an influenza infection is less severe in individuals who received a flu shot compared to those who did not.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you receive the flu vaccine as soon as it is available in the fall. Because the flu season typically occurs much later in the season, vaccinations administered throughout the fall and winter months are considered effective.

Should I get a flu shot even if I think I have already had the flu?

  • Yes, a flu vaccine is recommended even if someone has had influenza. This is because the flu vaccine provides protection against four strains of influenza virus.

Who can be vaccinated at a University of Minnesota flu vaccination clinic?

  • To attend the University's flu clinics, you must be a student, faculty, staff, retired faculty/staff, or a dependent of one of these groups. 

You also must be 18 years of age or older.

How much will I have to pay at a University of Minnesota flu vaccination clinic?

  • There is no out-of-pocket cost to students, faculty, staff, retired faculty and staff, or dependents (18 and older) for one of these groups. 

Insurance will be billed for students and employees who are not insured through the University of Minnesota. 

  • Employee Benefits covers the cost for staff who are on the University of Minnesota medical plan (Medica).

Can I get my flu and covid shots at Boynton Health and not at a mass clinic?

Check in at the second floor registration desk at Boynton. 

  • Boynton also has an Immunization Clinic which requires an appointment. This means planning ahead, but also that you will be seen at your scheduled time. You can receive a flu and a COVID vaccine here. 

Will I have to show proof of insurance at a mass vaccination clinic?

  • Yes, everyone who attends a mass flu and COVID vaccination clinic is required to show their insurance card. 

Do I need an appointment to get a flu or COVID shot?

Do you provide the high-dose flu vaccine for individuals 65 years of age and older?

  • No, we do not provide the high-dose flu vaccine in our mass clinics or at Boynton Health. If you and your primary care provider believe that you should receive the higher dose, we recommend contacting your primary care clinic or local pharmacy to ask about availability. You are still welcome to attend our clinics and receive the normal dose even if you are older than 65 years of age.

Can I get the preservative and thimerosal free flu vaccine?

  • The influenza vaccinations available through Boynton already DO NOT contain preservative or thimerosal.

Still have questions?