Flu Shots and Prevention

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

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What is Flu?

Flu — also known as influenza — is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. If you have a fever, cough, fatigue or body aches, you may have the flu.

You can receive a flu shot now at many off-campus retail pharmacy locations. Contact your health insurance provider to find out which pharmacies participate with your plan.

The following pharmacies are accessible by car or mall/market campus bus service:

  • Tops, Main Street Plaza
  • Tops, Maple Road
  • Walmart, Sheridan Drive
  • Walgreens, Main Street
  • Wegmans, Alberta Drive
Learn more about the flu vaccine

On Campus Clinics

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Health-related Professions Students Required to Submit Flu Vaccine Proof Annually

UB’s health-related professional students are required to submit proof of the influenza vaccination annually. The academic department sets the deadline. However, keep the following in mind when submitting the documentation to UB Health Services:

  • Each student is responsible for submitting their Vaccine Administration Record (VAR) to Student Health Services.
  • When submitting proof of flu vaccination, you must obtain a copy of the VAR, or a copy of the immunization record on letterhead. 
  • The VAR or immunization record must include: date the flu shot was administered, lot number, manufacturer, and expiration date.
  • All pharmacies are capable of providing a printout of the VAR – you should ask for this specific form by name. 
  • Asking for “something to show my school” is not specific enough.
  • Receipts of payment/copays from pharmacies are NOT adequate as proof of a flu vaccine, as they do not show that the vaccine was actually administered.
  • Submit your VAR to Student Health Services:
    • By paper mail (address is: Student Health Services, 4350 Maple Rd, Amherst, NY 14226;
    • By Fax: 716-829-2564;
    • By upload to the patient portal
  • Once the appropriate documentation is received, Student Health Services will update your records. Please allow several days for data entry.
  • Do not wait until your department’s deadline to submit your VAR to Student Health Services.

Ways to Protect Yourself From the Flu

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Get more prevention tips

If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms

  • Isolate yourself from others until you have not had a fever (or signs of a fever) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines
  • Call Health Services (716-829-3316) for advice
  • Do not walk into the Student Health Services office for care; this will help prevent the spread of flu
Learn more about the symptoms and treatment
Seek Immediate Medical Care

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, you should seek medical care immediately.

Contagious? Stay home.

With any contagious illness, you should try to limit contact with others to contain the spread of the disease. It is best for everyone if you remain at home (unless you’re going to see a health care provider) until you are better and no longer infectious.

No Notes for Missing Class or Work

Student Health Services does not issue notes to excuse class or work absences. To learn more please visit our policies page.

Need Help?

Student Health Services

Student Life

University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd
Amherst, NY 14226

Phone: (716) 829-3316; Fax: (716) 829-2564