Flu Shot Deadline is Saturday, Nov. 1

The flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual flu vaccination for all healthcare personnel. This recommendation is based on evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing flu-related illness and death among both healthcare workers and their patients, and the risk of healthcare-associated infections. It is recommended for all employees, physicians, licensed and non-licensed independent practitioners, students, volunteers and contract staff who work in every facility location. Thank you for taking action and for helping protect those we serve. 

The Vaccine

• The Influenza hub is where you will find all flu-related information, including all forms and flu clinic schedules.
• Employee Health will be rounding at various times and locations starting in September. Rounding dates can be found on the Influenza hub and the Inside Carilion calendar.
• You are welcome to attend any flu vaccine clinic that Employee Health hosts. Flu vaccine clinic dates also can be found on the hub.
• Flu vaccines will be available at no cost through Employee Health and at any Carilion Clinic retail pharmacy. An appointment is strongly recommended for Carilion retail pharmacies. Please bring your employee ID badge.
• If you receive a vaccine outside of Employee Health or a Carilion retail pharmacy, you should log into Workday and upload your individual off-site documentation there. You will be able to log into Workday after Oct. 1. Do not send your flu documents to the HR Service Center or Employee Health this year.
• It takes approximately 2 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for immunity to develop.
• It's possible to still get the flu even if you've had a flu vaccine, as the vaccine's effectiveness can vary. The vaccine can still help protect you by reducing the severity of flu symptoms.
• The flu vaccine is adjusted each year to match the strains that are expected to circulate. 

Documentation

• Workday is the only place your documentation will be accepted. Documents must be uploaded individually—you cannot submit documentation for anyone other than yourself.
• The flu survey in our annual required in-services is not considered documentation for getting the flu shot. 

How to Enter Flu Documentation in Workday

• After logging in to Workday, click the person icon at the top right corner, then select View Profile.
• Then, select Personal from the left menu. You may need to click More at the bottom of the left menu to see the Personal option.
• On the next page, select Vaccinations in the top menu bar.
• Select Add.
• Fill in the form.
• Attach your documentation.
• Submit the form.

Information About Self-Administered Vaccines

Flumist has manufactured a self-administered vaccine.

If you want this vaccine as an option, you will need to bring the FluMist with you to an Employee Health clinic for the Employee Health nurse to observe and officially document your self-administration. Employee Health staff will not administer the vaccine for you.

Any employee who submits documentation through Workday of a self-administered flu vaccine will be rejected.

Masking

• This year, due to a change in regulatory requirements, we can offer you the option to wear a surgical mask in lieu of getting vaccinated.
• If you do not receive the flu vaccine, you will be required to mask during flu season, beginning Nov. 1, 2025, through Wednesday, April 1, 2026. *
• Everyone who works in our facilities at any location is required to mask if you choose not to get vaccinated for the flu. Remote employees are the only exception.
• If you are a remote employee and do not receive a flu vaccine, you are not required to mask. As a reminder, remote employees are those who don’t have a designated workspace, office or location at Carilion and never visit any Carilion facility as part of their job. 

*This date could be extended based on the severity of the flu season.

If you have questions, contact the HR Service Center at HRServiceCenter@carilionclinic.org or 1-800-599-2537.