Oakland University's Graham Health Center (GHC) is encouraging campus community members to protect themselves this winter by getting a flu vaccination.

GHC is hosting pop-up flu clinics around campus throughout the month of November. Walk-in flu vaccines are available Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. closed 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.) or can be scheduled via the secure patient portal.

GHC Director Ann Rayford said the Center has seen an increase in respiratory illness over the past few weeks. She encourages campus community members to get vaccinated to help ensure a happy and healthy holiday season.

"Do your part to protect yourself from severe illness and reduce the spread of influenza to others," Rayford advised. "There is still time to protect yourself and those you care about before the holidays."

No need to worry about cost, Rayford added: "GHC bills insurance or Alana's Foundation covers the cost of your vaccine. There are no barriers to doing your part to keep yourself and others healthy."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. Flu vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death.

For more information about the flu vaccine or to schedule an appointment, email [email protected] or call (248) 370-2341.