Most of the vaccine ordered was shipped to health care providers later than usual. There was a corresponding delay in the implementation of flu shot clinics at UHS and in residence halls at UW-Madison. Following federal and state guidelines, and in cooperation with other Dane County health care providers, UHS developed a plan for providing flu vaccine to UW-Madison students in stages as it became available. A small amount of vaccine was in stock in October, and was reserved for students who are at higher risk of complications from influenza. UHS notified many of these students by email about the availability of vaccine and encouraged them to get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Additional vaccine is now available for all other students who want to get a flu shot.
Having influenza often means missing a week or more of classes. Flu vaccine provides protection against influenza about two weeks after you receive it. Even if you've waited until now to get a flu shot, you should still be adequately protected in time for this years' flu season.