An annual flu vaccine is the best precaution you can take to protect yourself, your roommates and Penn State from the influenza virus. However, this year, it is more important than ever to get your flu shot, according to the CDC. Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a top priority, so reducing the spread of flu this season will conserve critical medical resources and reduce the burden on health care systems.
VALLEY is here to remind you that flu season is right around the corner, so there is no better time than the present to get your flu vaccine. Whether you’re living in the dorms or ten minutes away from campus, getting your flu shot doesn’t have to be a chore. Check out these convenient flu vaccine providers.
Flu Vaccines On Campus
If you’re living on campus in the dorms or in an apartment close to campus this year, getting your flu shot through the university is probably the most convenient option for you. Penn State offers two different ways to get vaccinated.
Penn State Flu Vaccine Clinics
Penn State Health Services will be holding their annual flu vaccine clinics in Alumni Hall of the HUB. They are being held on various weekdays throughout the next few weeks until Tuesday, Nov. 10. This year, the university isn’t taking any walk-ins, so make sure to schedule a clinic appointment beforehand through myUHS. You can choose any time between 9 a.m and 4 p.m., and you won’t have to pay administration or appointment fees. Click HERE for more information.
University Health Services
If you can’t make it or don’t feel comfortable stopping by one of Penn State’s flu vaccine clinics, you can always schedule an appointment with University Health Services. Call 814-863-0774 to make an appointment or click HERE to schedule online.
Flu Vaccines Downtown
On the other hand, if you’re living in an apartment farther down West College Avenue or West Beaver Avenue, getting your flu vaccine downtown might be a better option for you. Consider getting your flu vaccine with one of these providers.
CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy downtown will be administering flu vaccines at no cost with most insurance plans. You can schedule a time that works for you HERE. Also, don’t forget to use the zip code 16802 and select “116 West College Avenue” for the CVS downtown.
Target
Target downtown is another convenient location to make a flu vaccine appointment, especially if you have a little shopping to do. The vaccine is administered through CVS Pharmacy inside Target, so you will have to schedule your appointment through CVS. Click HERE to pick a time that works for you and select “201 West Beaver Avenue” to get your flu shot at the Target downtown.
Flu Vaccines Near North Atherton Street
Finally, if you’re not living within walking distance of campus or downtown this year, there are still plenty of locations in State College to get your flu shot. Consider these flu vaccine providers off of North Atherton Street.
Geisinger Careworks Walk-In Clinic
Located right next to Best Buy off North Atherton Street, Geisinger Careworks Walk-In Clinic will be administering flu vaccines by appointment and on a walk-in basis. They do accept insurance but double-check to make sure they take your specific plan. They are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. If you would like to make an appointment ahead of time, call 814-238-1279.
Walmart
If you still need to make your weekly grocery run, consider getting your flu shot at Walmart to save an extra trip. The big-box retailer will be providing flu vaccines by appointment and on a walk-in basis. Plus, they accept most insurance plans, which may cover the entire cost of your vaccine. Walmart’s Pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. To schedule an appointment beforehand, click HERE.
Wegmans
Also located just off North Atherton Street, Wegmans Pharmacy will be providing flu shots on a walk-in basis, so you can easily pop in at your convenience. The popular grocery store chain accepts most insurance plans too, so you likely won’t have to pay additional fees. Wegmans Pharmacy is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
As always, make sure to practice good hygiene this fall. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer with you on campus, cover your mouth and —most importantly—don’t forget your flu vaccine this year.
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