Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Appointments

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with few exceptions. For people younger than 65 years, CDC recommends any standard-dose flu vaccine during the 2022-2023 flu season. 

New for this season: For people 65 years and older, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended over standard-dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. More information is available at Flu & People 65 Years and Older. Boise State Vaccination Clinic carries Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine.

It’s best to be vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. However, even if you are not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.

Yes, a flu vaccine is needed every year for two reasons: 

1. A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual flu vaccine is needed for optimal protection. 
2. Because flu viruses are constantly changing, the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually, and vaccines are updated to protect against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season.

Boise State Vaccination Clinic carries both Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine and Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine.

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing coincides.

Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine: If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

• Facial coverings are currently optional when visiting the Boise State Vaccination Clinic.
• Arrive on time for your vaccination appointment as scheduled.
• You will receive a paper copy of the fact sheet that tells you more about the specific flu vaccine you are being offered to help you understand the risks and benefits of receiving that specific vaccine.
  • • Fluzone Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
    • Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
• You should receive a reminder card or print out during your appointment that tells you what date you received your vaccine, and where you received it. Save this documentation as a record of your vaccination(s) and be sure to bring it with you to your second dose appointment, if applicable.
• You should stay at the vaccination clinic for 15 minutes after you get the vaccine to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction that needs medical attention. Clinic staff will be standing by to assist you.
• It’s normal to have mild to moderate side effects after getting a flu vaccine. Redness, soreness, swelling, and itching where the shot is given are the most common things that happen after vaccination with flu vaccination. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.
• It takes time for your body to build immunity and protection after any vaccination. You are considered immune two weeks after you receive your flu vaccine.

Boise State Vaccination Clinic at Campus School has a limited supply of free influenza vaccines for uninsured individuals.

Boise State University will bill the insurance of insured individuals for their flu vaccine (bring your insurance card to your appointment). Most insurance companies cover annual flu vaccinations, but we encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm. If you do not want insurance billed, the cost of the flu vaccine is $40.00 for Fluzone Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine or $60 for Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine.

If you have any questions or concerns about vaccination charges, please contact the Boise State Vaccination Clinic at publichealthvaccines@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-2969. If you believe you have received a bill in error please contact our medical billers, OnDemand, at (208) 947-5390.

If appointments at the Boise State Vaccination Clinic are not currently available, flu vaccines are also available at University Health Services during regular hours. No appointment necessary. 

For other flu vaccination appointments, talk to your doctor or contact your local public health district.

Please contact publichealthvaccines@boisestate.edu or call (208) 426-2969 and the Boise State University Public Health Vaccination Clinic team will return your inquiry as soon as possible.