Eastern Michigan University scheduled the first of two walk-in flu vaccine clinics for Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in the Student Center ballroom.
The clinic will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all EMU students and employees. The second clinic will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, also in the Student Center Ballroom.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in September that the 2025-26 flu season was expected to be moderate. CDC public health officials recommend that everyone who is 6 months of age or older (with few exceptions) get the flu shot each year.
"Vaccination will play a key role in reducing influenza hospitalization burden this season," the CDC officials said in the 2025-26 respiratory illness outlook report. "For the 2025-2026 flu season, [the] CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination with single-dose formulations that are free of thimerosal as a preservative for children, pregnant women, and adults."
The public health outlook also indicated that the CDC expects the fall and winter respiratory season to see peak hospitalizations for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV that are similar to what health centers experienced in 2024-25.
Those attending the EMU flu clinics must bring their insurance cards. There will be no out-of-pocket costs at the clinic, but the vaccines will be billed to the patients' insurance plans.
EMU students who are uninsured can receive the vaccine at no cost. Funding for uninsured student vaccines will be provided by the EMU Student Government.
Both clinics are available to all EMU students and employees.
EMU employees may also get flu shots, provided in partnership with IHA, during the benefits fair scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Student Center. IHA staff will be at the fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those seeking the vaccine must bring their BCBS medical card or proof of another medical plan.
The fair allows university employees an opportunity to speak to health care staff and other vendors providing benefits while working at EMU.
Flu vaccines are also available at doctor's offices, drugstores and other health centers. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has an interactive Where to Get a Flu Vaccine map on its website that can help residents find the nearest options. Among the 34 venues offering the vaccines in Washtenaw County is the county health department office, located at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
