NIH offers flu shots this Fall

Foil the Flu, the annual seasonal influenza immunization program for NIH employees and contractors, will begin Sept. 28. Unlike past years, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, no walk-ins will be allowed. The entire immunization campaign will be by appointment only. Staff, schedule an appointment at https://foiltheflu.nih.gov (VPN or Citrix required).

Clinics will be available both on and off the main campus (and at satellite locations), recognizing that some employees currently in a maximum telework situation may prefer to come to an off-campus site.

For the safety of staff, patients and visitors, Building 10 immunizations will be provided at a new location – the B1 Cafeteria. Staff must enter the cafeteria via the exterior glass doors at the South side of the building. Face coverings are required.

All federal employees and contractors with a valid NIH identification badge are eligible and encouraged to receive a flu vaccine for free and are encouraged to be immunized against the flu. All staff who have patient contact, including employees and contractors, are required to get immunized each year.

Staff ages 65 and older are eligible to receive a high-dose vaccine that stimulates a stronger immune response. People age 65 and older tend to develop lower levels of protective antibodies with a traditional dose vaccine.

Foil the Flu is sponsored by the NIH Office of Research Services Division of Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Medical Service and the CC Hospital Epidemiology Service.

- Maria Maslennikov