Flu immunization information

Getting your flu vaccine

It’s important to get a flu shot to protect your health and prevent the spread of flu to others. Flu shots are the best way to help prevent influenza, commonly known as flu. Although flu shots offer no guarantee against getting sick, you can protect yourself from the risk of flu-related complications by getting a flu shot at one of the upcoming on-campus clinics, your local drug store, or a doctor's office!

• If you have state employee (COVA) health coverage, the flu vaccine is covered with no out-of-pocket cost for you and for your covered family members. The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management has more information regarding the health benefits of the flu vaccine. For covered employees working on campus, VCU has arranged on-campus flu clinics as explained below.
• If you have other health insurance, check with your health plan to find out about coverage for the flu vaccine, and where to get it. The on-campus flu clinics do not accept other insurance.
• If you do not have health insurance, or if your health plan does not cover the flu vaccine, contact your local health district to inquire about flu vaccination clinics. The Richmond City Health District has flu vaccination clinics you can visit. 
• If you are a VCUarts employee in Qatar with QLM health coverage, the QLM health plan does not cover the flu vaccine however, you may obtain the flu vaccine (seasonal) through Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centers by presenting your HMC card. This also applies to employees covered under COVA Care. For questions, contact the Human Resources department in Qatar.

As a convenience to university faculty and staff working on campus, VCU HR has arranged for Walgreens, a participating pharmacy with the COVA health plans, to conduct four flu immunization clinics on campus during September and October.  The following procedures apply to the flu immunization clinics:

• Appointments are available using the Walgreens scheduler. Walk-ins will also be accepted. Once the link is live for 2024, you will be able to sign up for one of the clinics. Employees must bring their health plan ID card and photo ID to the clinic at their appointed time.
• Only university faculty and staff may schedule appointments or walk-in for the on-campus clinics. Family members should not be brought to campus.
• Employees who are not feeling well should not attend the clinics.

2024 Flu immunization clinics at VCU

On the day of your appointment:

• Bring a completed Vaccine Administration Record - Informed Consent for Vaccination Form (PDF) (required before receiving your Immunization)
• Review the Vaccine Information Statement (PDF)
• Wear a face covering if desired and loose-fitting clothing

Unable to make one of the on-campus clinics?

Most pharmacies offer flu vaccination. To receive the flu shot at no cost, call a convenient local retail pharmacy to verify that they offer onsite immunizations and that they participate in your health plan’s pharmacy network.

Special Note for COVA HealthAware participants:

If you intend to use your flu shot to obtain "Do Right" credit in your Aetna Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), be sure to obtain written confirmation of your flu shot from the participating pharmacy.