Thousands Get Flu Shots at UT Student Union

By Stephanie Witt

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN, Texas — University Health Services is hosting its annual flu shot clinic in the Texas Union Ballroom through October 23.

“The flu shot campaign this year is a little different than years past,” said Sherry Bell, a member of the UT Health Services Public Information Team.

UHS is taking COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

“We’ve had to honor and are honoring social distancing, mask wearing, anyone entering the clinic has to show their Protect Texas Together Clear to Come to Campus pass or we do some screening questions. All of our staff have masks and face shields and wear possible plexiglass between us and you so both are protected,” Bell said.

Flu shots are administered by appointment only this year to help minimize lines. Students and faculty can go to the Healthy Horns website to schedule a visit.

“I urge every Texan to go get a flu shot,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a public service announcement last month.

UHS accepts insurance or will send a $10 fee to the patient’s online What I Owe page.

At check-in patients need to bring a Clear to Come to Campus Pass, their appointment QR code, and a UT ID.

“In the flu shot you are getting the antibodies or the predicted antibodies for the flu strain that year so it is going to give you more immunity to the flu if you do encounter it,” senior nursing major Sydney Spears said.

UT Health Services gave 3,495 flu shot vaccines through October 6 with 12 clinic days left in the campaign.

While the clinic has an ample supply of the flu vaccine on hand for this year, UT Health Services anticipates giving fewer shots than previous years due to reduced student residents in Austin, and more faculty and staff working remotely.

Bell said patients can go through the whole process with the only thing touched being their shoulder.