Flu Vaccination and COVID-19

ACU encourages you to participate in our annual flu vaccination program to help maintain your health and wellbeing, especially with the onset of colder weather and impending flu season. All staff (including casuals and sessional staff) are eligible to participate in the program free of charge.

See the FAQs below for information about ACU’s flu vaccination program in the context of COVID-19.

Is ACU providing flu vaccinations this year?

Yes.  ACU is providing a combination of vaccination clinics facilitated by Vitality Works on campus and vouchers that can be redeemed at hundreds of chemists/pharmacies across Australia.  The vaccination vouchers will be available from early to mid-April and clinics will be scheduled on our main campuses during the last two weeks of May.

Our vaccination program will be promoted from early April, via the Staff Bulletin and Workplace.  You will be able to register for a vaccination voucher or clinic on your campus via the booking link within these articles.

The vouchers can be redeemed at a chemist or pharmacy near you.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a government-funded flu vaccination.  More information is available here.

This year, ACU is also offering to reimburse staff who purchase an influenza vaccine through their preferred provider e.g. their GP.  The reimbursement is capped at $22 per staff member.

Will flu vaccination protect me from COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccination against COVID-19.

However, the annual flu vaccination reduces the severity and risk of contracting influenza.  If you were to contract the flu, this could make you more susceptible to COVID-19.  Also, if you seek treatment for the flu by visiting your GP or a hospital, you may further increase your exposure to COVID-19.

If you contract both the flu and COVID-19, there is a risk your body will be ‘overwhelmed’.

What is the university’s flu vaccination provider doing to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure?

The university’s provider, Vitality Works, engages trained nurses to administer the vaccination.  These nurses are required to monitor and report on their own health.  They do not attend work if they are experiencing cold or flu symptoms.  The nurses are also required to sanitise their hands between each vaccination and to wear gloves, medical gowns and masks.

On-campus clinic waiting areas will be set up to observe social-distancing requirements.

Please do not attend on-campus clinics if you are self-isolating or exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms, or you are otherwise unwell.  If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek advice from your own doctor.

If I am working remotely, can I access ACU’s annual flu vaccination program?

Yes.  Both vouchers and on campus vaccinations will be made available this year between April and May.  You can register for a vaccination voucher or clinic, on your local campus, via the booking link that will be published on Workplace and in Staff Bulletin articles from early April. 

To apply for reimbursement for an influenza vaccine you purchase through your preferred provider, please complete the form called Staff Flu Vaccine Reimbursement Form on ACU’s Finance Forms site here. Once you have your supervisor’s approval, please send the completed form to HR (hr@acu.edu.au) for approval and processing by Accounts Payable.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a government-funded flu vaccination.  More information is available here.