QUICK RESOURCES
- Recommendation: It is strongly recommended to receive a vaccine against flu. The best timeframe to get this protection is BEFORE NOVEMBER 1.
- Students: Flu outreaches are available at UPC in McCarthy Quad (Wednesdays at Farmer’s Market; Tuesdays in USC Village), and during special clinic days at your academic program. No out-of-pocket costs from students on SHIP/Aetna; for students on other plans, there is a $20 for the cost of the vaccine that is added to your student account. See the schedule.
- Graduate students: Graduate students on any insurance may receive a no-cost flu shot through USC Student Health, courtesy of Graduate Student Government (GSG) while program funds are available. (Applies to the first 300 graduate students to use this service.)
- Faculty and University Staff: Vaccination for flu has no out-of-pocket costs for employees on all health plans, at the USC Pharmacies (walk-in, no appointments needed)
- Related: Tested positive for COVID-19? See the instructions for what to do next.
- Follow hygiene measures to prevent the spread of illness.
Sept. 11, 2025
To: All USC Students, Faculty, and University Staff
A message from:
Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA, Vice President for Campus Health and Chief Campus Health Officer
Deona Willes, MPH, CLS, Executive Director, USC Environmental Health and Safety
Re: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2026
As we enter peak respiratory illness season, we strongly recommend that all USC students, faculty, and university staff receive influenza vaccinations for the 2025-2026 season.
Vaccinations are an important tool available to us to keep transmission levels low, keep illness from disrupting our daily campus activities, and to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Alongside good hygiene measures that we became familiar with during the pandemic; testing when symptomatic; choosing to mask when appropriate; and staying home when sick — we have many tools we can use to keep our community safer from illness.
Getting your flu vaccination will help mitigate respiratory illness in the fall/winter months.
It is strongly recommended to receive a vaccine against flu. The best timeframe to get this protection is BEFORE NOVEMBER 1.
For Students: How to get vaccinated on the campuses
- Wednesdays at the UPC Farmer’s Market Health Corner run by Student Health (McCarthy Quad, 11:30 AM – 2 PM)
- At the HSC Open House in Pappas Quad (Sept 18, 3:30-5:30 PM)
- At the health centers: make an appointment in MySHR (both campuses); walk in to Engemann (UPC) or Eric Cohen (HSC); ask during medical appointments in USC Student Health.
NOTE: Students on SHIP/Aetna do not have out-of-pocket costs. Students on other insurances will be charged $20 on their student account if administered by USC Student Health. This may be reimbursable by your insurance, please check with your insurance plan.
FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY—you may receive a “no out-of-pocket cost” flu vaccination if you are on a non-SHIP/Aetna Plan, courtesy of a funded program from Graduate Student Government (GSG). First 300 grad students who ask for this benefit will receive their flu shot at no cost to them (limited supply offer.)
For Faculty and University Staff
The USC Health Plans is sponsoring flu vaccinations at no cost for all USC faculty and staff at the USC Pharmacies. Employees and their dependents enrolled on USC PPO and EPO plans can visit any contracted Optum Pharmacy and have their flu vaccination fully covered when they present their plan ID card, or they may visit their primary care physician and have the vaccination covered under their medical benefits as preventive care service.
Why Take the Flu Vaccine?
Flu and COVID-19 often can present similar respiratory symptoms; receiving a flu vaccine will help with an accurate and timely diagnosis if you become ill.
Flu can cause significant disruptions in academics and the workplace. For example, students with influenza often miss 7-10 days of class. Preventing the flu can help prevent this lost time and impact.
September and October are optimal times for receiving the flu vaccine, as it takes approximately 2 weeks for your immune system to create antibodies for protection. Don’t delay; if you have an opportunity to get vaccinated for flu, take it!
Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette Reminder
As a reminder, please continue to use recommended hygiene practices for respiratory illnesses: cover your cough or sneeze (nose and mouth) with a tissue; wash or sanitize your hands; and remember that masking indoors and in crowded settings is recommended. If you are sick, please stay home.
Recommendation
We strongly urge you, your peers, and your loved ones to get the flu vaccines. This offers real benefits — reducing illnesses, medical appointments, and missed classes, work, and other activities, as well as preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
If you have questions about the flu vaccine, contact campushealth@usc.edu.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping everyone healthy and safer from flu and other respiratory illnesses.