Be prepared this flu season, get vaccinated on campus Oct. 1-31

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 140,000-710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000-56,000 deaths have occurred annually since 2010 due to influenza (flu) or flu-related complications. Generally flu season begins in October and can last as late as May.

UT Southwestern is committed to the safety of its patients, employees, students, and community. For this reason, UTSW offers flu shots to all employees at no cost, even if you do not have medical coverage through UTSW. For employees covered by UT SELECT or UT CONNECT medical plans, your insurance covers the cost of the flu shot. All employees are encouraged to receive an annual flu shot.

What can you do to avoid getting the flu?

  • Receive the flu vaccination.
  • Practice hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

UT Southwestern policy – HSO-203: Influenza Vaccination – requires all faculty, staff, house staff, and students working or training in the University Hospitals and Clinics to receive an influenza vaccination or to provide written notice to Occupational Health that they decline to be vaccinated for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Individuals who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Managers and supervisors who have direct reports may verify employee compliance by logging in to their own ReadySet account.

How to become compliant

  1. Participate in the annual Flu Vaccination Program by getting vaccinated at a UTSW flu shot kiosk during the month of October. You must first complete the Seasonal Flu Survey in ReadySet.
    • Log in to ReadySet or create a new account if you do not already have one.
    • Choose Health Surveys on the left-hand side of the screen and then click the Seasonal Flu Survey.
    • Check the 2018 Flu Vaccination Event Calendar for details on flu kiosk dates, times, and locations.
  1. If you received your vaccination anywhere other than at a UTSW kiosk:
    • occuhlthutsw@mednet.swmed.edu your flu documentation to the Occupational Health Clinic. Even if your flu vaccination was given by your UTSW provider, you will still need to provide documentation to Occupational Health. We are not authorized to access your personal medical record to obtain proof of your vaccination.
  1. If you wish to decline the flu shot:
    • Sign in to ReadySet or create a new account if needed.
    • Complete the declination portions of the Seasonal Flu Survey.

Employees can share their flu shot information with their UTSW provider by following the instructions in the MyChart Tip Sheet. For additional information and updates about the Flu Vaccination Program, please visit the Occupational Health page or send a friend request to the Occupational Health Facebook page.