H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

Please be sure to read about eligibility, how to request a vaccine, and administration cost information before submitting your request form.

MSU H1N1 Eligibility:

This vaccine is now available at Olin Student Health Center to MSU students, MSU Law students, and spouses/domestic partners of students.

The vaccine is available on a limited basis to MSU employees, retirees, and the spouses/domestic partners of both groups.

Children of students and others who are not eligible for an H1N1 vaccine from Olin Health Center may wish to check with the Ingham County Health Department regarding availability.

How to Request the H1N1 Vaccine at Olin Student Health Center:

Individuals who believe they are eligible can make an online appointment request for the H1N1 vaccine:

• Complete the online H1N1 Vaccine Request Form

• A health care assistant will contact you within 2 business days to schedule your H1N1 vaccine.

Additional information is available on the MSU H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information page.

H1N1 Administration Fee Information:

The administration fee for the H1N1 vaccine can be paid for at the time of the visit or billed to your insurance.

• A prompt pay discount applies when the vaccine administration fee is paid on the day of service; the cost is $10 (ten dollars).

• Alternatively, MSU can bill your insurance company for an administration fee of $19.84.

• When billed to participating insurance companies, there will be no cost to the student if injections are a benefit. Participating companies include:

• MSU Aetna Student Insurance,

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Blue Shield Out-of-Area

• Community Blue

• Blue Preferred

• Blue Care Network

• PHP

• McLaren Health Plans

• Ingham Health Plan

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• If you are covered by a non-participating insurance company, check with the company to see if they will pay the administration fee. If they will not, or if they pay just a portion of the fee, you will be billed for the balance. In most cases, students with non-participating insurance are better off paying the prompt pay discount amount of $10.

• If the ten dollar fee poses a hardship, please notify the nurse when you receive the vaccine. If insurance is billed, and does not pay, the fee cannot be waived.

It is especially important that the following groups are immunized:

• Age 24 or younger,

• Pregnant women,

• Those who have certain high risk medical conditions, including:

• Cancer

• Blood disorders (example: sickle cell disease, hemophilia, spleenectomy)

• Chronic pulmonary disease [example: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, lung transplant, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis]

• Diabetes

• Heart disease (except high blood pressure) (example: heart transplant, mitral valve prolapse, valve replacement, rheumatic fever, endocarditis, pulmonary heart disease)

• Kidney disorders (example: renal transplant, dialysis)

• Liver disorders (example: liver transplant, hepatitis, cirrhosis)

• Neurological and neuromuscular disorders (example: brain tumor, lupus, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, CVA, myasthenia gravis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis)

• Weakened immune systems (example: HIV/AIDS, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, anorexia, bulimia, Crohn’s)

• Morbid obesity (body mass index >40)

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Information:

MSU students, employees, retirees and other high risk individuals may be able to receive the flu vaccine at their local health department, primary care provider or local retail provider of the flu vaccine (Kroger, Meijer, etc.).

The following PRIORITY GROUPS are strongly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine:

• persons with underlying serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or long-term health conditions that weaken the immune system (such as cancer or HIV/AIDS)

• adults 65 years of age and older

• women who will be pregnant during influenza season (November to March)

• health-care workers with direct patient care

• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months of age
  

Allergy & Immunization Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

You are encouraged to actively help prevent the spread of colds and flu. Be a germ stopper! Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based gel:

• After you sneeze or cough

• After using the bathroom

• Before you eat

• Before you touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?

The following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor:

• People who have a severe allergy to hens' eggs

• People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past

• People who previously developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in the 6 weeks after getting a flu shot

Individuals desiring more information about the flu or flu vaccine may call the Olin Phone Information Nurse 24 hours per day at 353-5557.

For more information about flu vaccine:

• Olin Health Center Colds & Flu page
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Flu page