Save the date for Flulapalooza XIII! Free flu shots are available for Vanderbilt Health employees and Vanderbilt University faculty, staff and students on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Langford Auditorium. Bring your student ID and wear short sleeves.
Influenza: what you need to know
Get Your Flu Vaccine Every Fall
- The Student Health Center recommends an annual flu shot for every student.
- SHC will offer the 2026-2027 version of the flu shot in September 2026.
- Students with egg allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine.
Other ways to keep yourself and others healthy
These steps protect against the flu and other respiratory tract infections
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol when soap is not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cough/sneeze into a tissue (throw it away immediately) or your elbow, not your hands.
- Don’t share utensils, dishes or water bottles with anyone.
- Breathe cleaner air-open windows when possible (even for just 5-10 minutes) and choose large, well-ventilated spaces over small, crowded ones.
If you are not feeling well
Know the symptoms. The flu is more severe than the common cold and includes sudden onset of fever/chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and runny/stuffy nose.
Stay home. Avoid classes, dining halls, and social gatherings until your symptoms are improving, and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication. Wear a mask if you must be around others in common areas.
Get tested and treated early. Antiviral treatments for the flu only work if given in the first 48 hours of illness. If your symptoms are mild and you are otherwise healthy, you can test at home. If your test is positive, contact the Student Health Center for additional advice and treatment.
Visit the SHC. This is especially important if your symptoms are severe, you need testing, or you have underlying medical conditions. Please wear a mask when you arrive.
Treat your symptoms while you recover. Review our respiratory illness handout for ways to treat your symptoms. If you have chronic medical conditions or are on medication, discuss the best options with your provider.
If your roommate or close contact has the flu
In addition to the above prevention measures, contact the SHC if:
- You would like antiviral medication to prevent the flu (most effective for those with underlying medical conditions).
- You develop flu symptoms in the days following flu exposure.