The University of Alabama’s 15th annual Flu Shot Campaign begins Sept. 1, offering free flu vaccinations to UA students, faculty and staff at locations across campus through mid-November.
Led by UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, the campaign will provide free flu shots at pop-up clinics throughout campus, including locations near the Quad, University buildings and student residence halls. Students and employees do not need health insurance to receive a vaccination.
“Getting vaccinated lowers your chance of getting seriously ill, being hospitalized or spreading flu to people around you,” said Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer for UMC and a family medicine physician. “It is best to get the flu vaccine before flu is widely spreading in the community, ideally by the end of October. If you miss that timing, vaccination later in the season can still provide meaningful protection.”
Students also can receive free flu shots at the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy, while UA employees can visit the Faculty-Staff Clinic at University Medical Center. Vaccinations are also available to retired UA faculty and staff and their spouses, as well as spouses and dependents of University employees. CCHS operates SHCP and UMC.
Children of employees with UA health insurance can receive flu vaccinations at UMC. Children of employees with non-UA health insurance also may receive flu shots at UMC if their insurance provides coverage for nurse practitioner services. Spouses of employees can receive free flu vaccinations at campus flu shot sites or UMC.
“This year’s flu vaccine is updated to help protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the 2026-27 flu season,” Weida said. “Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine each year unless they have a specific medical reason not to.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people at increased risk for serious complications from influenza, including young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and those with certain chronic health conditions. Students living in residence halls or other close quarters also can benefit from vaccination.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. In some cases, flu can lead to serious complications, hospitalization or death.
Weida said the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza, although mild side effects such as soreness, low-grade fever or fatigue may occur for a short time. People with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status. Flu vaccines also can often be administered during the same visit as other recommended vaccines, such as COVID-19 vaccines.
Nurses from UMC and the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy, along with nursing students from the UA Capstone College of Nursing, will administer vaccinations during the campaign. WellBAMA is also a campaign partner.
Click here for upcoming flu shot site dates, times and locations.