Frequently Asked Questions

While all members of the Duke community are strongly encouraged to participate in the annual flu vaccine program, annual vaccination or an approved exemption is a condition of employment for employees in Duke Health, which includes the Duke University Health System, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, and the Private Diagnostic Clinic.

The 2022 deadline for policy compliance for Duke University Health System (DUHS) team members to be either vaccinated or receive an approved exemption is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.

Yes. Applications for medical or religious exemptions for Duke University Health System (DUHS) staff and faculty should be submitted before Tuesday, November 1, 2022. This will allow for sufficient time for review of the application and the decision determination prior to the compliance deadline.

Duke University Health System, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing faculty and staff who choose not to be vaccinated or otherwise do not declare an acceptable exemption face disciplinary action or the equivalent up to and including termination from employment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with an influenza virus.

Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. An outbreak of influenza due to low community vaccination rates could result in emergency rooms and clinics being overwhelmed while already responding to COVID-19 and an increased chance of spreading both respiratory illnesses in the community. Further, getting infected with a combination of COVID-19 and influenza, or getting one right after the other, could damage your overall health.

Being vaccinated annually against the flu is in alignment with Duke University Health System’s core value of “caring for our patients, their loved ones and each other.” And, in the wake of COVID-19, the vaccination will also help limit the spread of influenza among students, faculty and staff working on campus.

For locations and hours, see Flu Vaccination Schedules. Vaccinations can also be obtained at Duke Primary Care providers, area pharmacies and other locations, but documentation must be provided to evidence compliance.

Children and other dependents of Duke employees cannot get a flu vaccine at the locations offering vaccinations to Duke University and Health System employees and students. They must make an appointment to get a flu vaccine at a Duke Primary Care location or other vaccination providers.

No. Employees can get their flu vaccine for free at any Duke Employee Occupational Health & Wellness-sponsored vaccination clinic.

You must wear a face covering and bring a valid DukeCard ID and smartphone, if you own one. The smartphone will allow for faster registration. If you do not have a smartphone, you can use a device provided at the vaccination site.

You may pre-register up to 48 hours ahead of being vaccinated.

If you have been vaccinated outside of Duke Employee Occupational Health or one of the EOHW-sponsored sites and not by the Duke peer vaccination program, you must submit official documentation of flu vaccination. See Requirements & Exemptions for more information on outside vaccination reporting.

Students can also submit documentation of external vaccination to Student Health via immunizations@duke.edu​.

Yes. Children and other dependents of Duke employees covered by a Duke health plan can make an appointment to get a flu vaccine at certain Duke Primary Care locations. There is no copay for the vaccination or visit unless the patient sees a healthcare provider.

Call 1-855-372-1981 to make an appointment.

Please visit Flu Vaccine Consent and fill out the questions provided.