UCSF Extends Free Flu Shot Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designated this week as National Influenza Week to raise awareness of the importance of continuing influenza vaccination. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is the best means of protection against influenza and is recommended for all health care workers. All UCSF faculty and staff, especially those with patient contact, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. UCSF is extending its efforts to vaccinate all personnel through Thursday, Dec. 21. All employees, faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, students and volunteers can receive a free flu shot through Employee Health Services. UCSF identification is required. Appointments are not necessary. Flu shots will be provided at the following locations:

  • • Parnassus campus: Employee Health Services, 350 Parnassus Ave., room 206, on Tuesdays only from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a break from noon to 1 p.m.

  • • Mount Zion campus: Employee Health Services, 2380 Sutter St., third floor, on Thursdays only from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Taking Daily Precautions Protecting against the flu requires taking precautions on a daily basis. Transmission occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks and virus-laden droplets are propelled within a distance of three feet. People can acquire the virus through any mucous membrane, notably the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth. Once infected, people can be contagious from one day before developing symptoms to up to seven days after getting sick.
  • Daily precautions include:

  • • Wash your hands frequently.

  • • Use alcohol-based hand rub when you do not have the access or time to wash your hands.

  • • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or at minimum, an elbow, when coughing or sneezing.

  • • Do not report to work or come to class if you are ill.

For more information about UCSF flu clinics, please check the Communicable Disease Prevention Program website or Employee Health Services website. For more details about the flu, visit the CDC website.