FOIL THE FLU FAQ’S


Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
What is the best time of day to get the shot?
What if I can’t make it on my day?
What should I wear to make it easier to get the flu shot?
Who should not get the vaccine?
If I have a cold, can I get the Flu shot?
If I am pregnant, can I get the Flu shot?
If I am on international travel for NIH, can I receive the vaccine before travel?
Am I protected right away when I get the Flu shot?
Why is the flu vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with patient contact?

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
NIH employees with valid ID. Sorry, contractors, family members, visitors, and volunteers are not eligible to receive the vaccine.

Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
Local health departments, grocery stores, pharmacies and urgent care clinics often provide flu vaccination programs. See the Division Occupational Health and Safety Website for more information: (http://foiltheflu.nih.gov/communityResources.htm)

What is the best time of day to get the shot?
To minimize your wait, avoid receiving the shot during peak hours which occur early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

What if I can’t make it on my day?
If you cannot come on your assigned day you may show up any other day of the mass clinic. However, if there is a large crowd, you may be asked to wait until we can serve those who are there on the correct day.

What should I wear to make it easier to get the flu shot?
The vaccine is administered in the upper arm, so wearing short sleeves or clothing that allows for easy exposure of your upper arm/shoulder is encouraged.

Who should not get the vaccine?
Adults who are allergic to thimerosal and chickens should not receive the vaccine.

If I have a cold, can I get the Flu shot?
Yes, as long as it is mild and you have no fever.

If I am pregnant, can I get the Flu shot?
Yes, you can but we prefer that you check with your personal healthcare provider.

If I am on international travel for NIH, can I receive the vaccine before travel?
Yes, you will be offered the flu vaccine after you submit your travel immunization request form.

Am I protected right away when I get the Flu shot?
No, it takes two weeks for protection to develop.

Why is the flu vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with patient contact?
The Medical Executive Committee approved a policy in 2008 that requires all NIH employees with patient contact to be vaccinated for the flu or sign a declination form that explains the reason for not receiving the vaccine at the Clinical Center. Please read more about this at: http://intranet.cc.nih.gov/hospitalepidemiology/documents/FluMemo2008.pdf