Flu season is almost here, and the Occupational Health team wants to ensure that VUMC faculty and staff are safe and healthy all season long. This year marks the twelfth annual Flulapalooza event and Occupational Health wants you to come celebrate on Sept. 25. Here are the top three things you need know about Flulapalooza.
- Where and when is Flulapalooza this year?
Flulapalooza will be held between Light Hall and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA Hospital) on Sept. 25 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll enter the event through Light Hall, North Lobby. Also, be sure to wear short sleeves and bring your VUMC ID badge.
To receive a flu vaccine at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH), Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital (VBH), and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital (VTHH), you can visit a Fight the Flu event on the following dates:
Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH): Oct. 2, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital (VBH): Sept. 27, 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital (VTHH): Oct. 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
You may also reach out to your respective Occupational Health resource at your location.
2. Where can I park if I’m an offsite and/or remote VUMC employee?
Parking will be available in the 25th Avenue Garage for offsite employees or those who work from home. Use the 24th Avenue entrance to the garage. You do not need a Vanderbilt parking sticker on this day to attend the event.
3. What flu vaccine options are available to me at Flulapalooza?
The following flu vaccines will be available at Flulapalooza:
- Fluarix – Standard dose, trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) for individuals 6 months to 64 years of age.
- Fluad – Adjuvanted, trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) for individuals 65 years of age and older.
*People with egg allergy CAN receive the age-appropriate vaccine, as egg allergy is not a contraindication to Fluarix or Fluad.
**Flucelvax will not be available at Flulapalooza. Flucelvax-cell-cultured, trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) for individuals 6 months and older is indicated for individuals with a severe reaction to a prior influenza vaccine. In alignment with latest CDC guidance, Flucelvax will be reserved only for those patients who have a history of severe reaction to other influenza vaccines. Please consult with your provider, and if Flucelvax is recommended, you can present to Occupational Health Clinic from 7 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday to receive this vaccine.
For more information about the flu or Flulapalooza, visit OHC’s Flu Program for Employees website.
