Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine annual influenza immunization for all people six months and older. This year, receiving a flu shot is more important than ever.
The CDC anticipates that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading throughout the fall and winter time. Because the flu and COVID-19 share many clinical characteristics, it may be difficult to tell the difference between them based simply on symptoms.
The Student Health Center, in partnership with GUWellness and the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits, will offer free influenza immunization clinics for the 2020-21 season for all Georgetown students, faculty and staff who have been approved to work or live on campus and any students who are living off campus. This year’s clinics will be administered through Maxim/LabCorp, and the influenza vaccine is the inactivated quadrivalent standard-dose vaccine. Please note that the CDC advises people 65 years and older receive high-dose shots or shots made with adjuvant, which will not be available at the Georgetown-sponsored clinics.
Unfortunately, the Georgetown-provided vaccines are only available to members of our community approved to be on campus and students living off campus. More details about how to access a free flu shot through a GU-sponsored health insurance plan are provided below.
Faculty, Students and Staff Approved To Be On Campus
For students, faculty and staff who have been approved to be on the Main and Medical Campuses, clinics will be held in the Great Room of the Healey Family Student Center on the following dates:
- Thursday, October 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Monday, October 5, 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Flu shots for this location will be available by appointment and should be made in advance using LabCorp’s online scheduler (directions provided below). A limited number of walk-ins may be accommodated, however appointments are strongly encouraged. A face mask and green GU360 badge will be required for entry.
Students Living Off Campus
Students who are living off campus – not limited to those living in the Burleith, Foxhall and Georgetown neighborhoods – will be able to receive their flu shot at 2115 Wisconsin Avenue NW in the first floor conference room during the following times:
- Tuesday, October 13, 1-5 p.m. (appointments available)
- Wednesday, October 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (walk-in only)
- Tuesday, October 27, 1-5 p.m. (appointments available)
You can make an appointment in advance using LabCorp’s online scheduler. Please bring a face mask and your student ID.
Scheduling an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, please log in and register with WellConnect/LabCorp. When registering, please use visitor access code GeorgetownFlu2020. If you have questions or need assistance navigating the scheduler, you can access step-by-step instructions.
All those receiving a flu shot must complete a consent form. These will be available at the clinics, however, we recommend that you download and complete the form in advance.
When making your appointment, please be sure that you are signing up for the appropriate clinic. For example, off-campus students will not be able to get their flu shots at the Healey Family Student Center even if an appointment has been made for that location.
GU-Sponsored Health Insurance Plans
While we are unable to administer flu shots to everyone in our community due to limits regarding on-campus density, individuals are encouraged to visit their primary care provider or a participating pharmacy to receive their annual vaccination. If you are covered by a GU-sponsored health insurance plan, your flu shot is free:
- Kaiser Permanente
- CareFirst
- UnitedHealthcare (including student health insurance Premier Plan members)
We strongly encourage all members of the Georgetown community to protect themselves and each other by getting vaccinated. If you have questions about this year’s flu season, the CDC website offers additional information.
Be well,
Dr. Ranit Mishori, MD, MHS FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Interim Chief Public Health Officer
Charles DeSantis
Interim Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer