It’s that time of year again: flu season is right around the corner, and we need to get our shots. If you’re typically late to the game (or just late to send proof of it), you may have noticed that this year, Habif Health and Wellness Center hasn’t been spamming your inbox with threats to put a hold on your account. That’s because flu shots are not required by the school this year, though still highly encouraged. 

The Student Life Editorial Board was disappointed to learn that flu shots are not required this year. We call on the University to require flu shots for Washington University students this fall, as they have in previous years.

Though not enforceable by a formal requirement, Habif still strongly encourages that you get vaccinated. There has been a steady increase in flu cases throughout the country, as well as continued hospitalizations for COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is simple and respectful to both the University and greater St. Louis community. Updated from our 2021 staff editorial on flu shots, here is a list of places to get your flu shots and COVID-19 boosters to make the process even easier.

Habif Health and Wellness Center

Look for appointments on the Student Health Portal; if no slots are available, check back later as additional times are added.

CVS on Delmar

Location: 6211 Delmar Blvd; at corner of Delmar and Skinker

Hours: 8 a.m.-12 a.m. every day

Distance: About a 15 minute walk from campus

Transportation: You can take the Delmar Loop Shuttle or walk north on Skinker. You can also take the Orange Line shuttle from the Clocktower to the edge of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway.

Appointments: They offer walk-ins and appointments.

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

Walgreens

Location: 6733 Clayton Road; at the corner of Big Bend and Clayton

Hours: The pharmacy is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Closed from 1:30-2 p.m.

Distance: About a 20 minute walk from campus

Transportation: You can walk south on Big Bend or take the Campus2Home shuttle to Clayton.

Appointments: Make an appointment online or call the pharmacy. 

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

Millbrook Pharmacy

Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

Location: 7010 Pershing Ave.; at the corner of Big Bend and Forest Park Parkway

Distance: About a 3 minute walk from the Village

Transportation: You can walk towards the northwest corner of campus.

Appointments: Walk-ins are welcome.

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

Total Access Urgent Care

Location: 1005 S Big Bend Blvd.; opposite corner of Big Bend and Clayton from Walgreens

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. everyday

Distance: About a 20 minute walk from main campus

Transportation: You can walk south on Big Bend or take the Campus2Home shuttle to Clayton.

Appointments: No appointment is needed.

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

COVID-19 booster not available.

Here are some alternative but less accessible options:

CVS in Target

Location: 25 Brentwood Promenade Ct. 

Hours: Pharmacy is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sundays

Distance: About a 3 minute walk to the University City Metro station from the Village, a 20 minute Metro ride, and a 15 minute walk from the Brentwood station to the Target

Transportation: You can take the MetroLink to the Brentwood station and walk two parking lots down. 

Appointments: They offer appointments and walk-ins.

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

Walmart

Location: 1900 Maplewood Commons Dr.

Hours: Pharmacy is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays

Distance: About a 10 minute Uber from campus or a 30 minute ride on the MetroLink

Transportation: Uber would be easiest, though you can get there using the MetroLink. The MetroLink station is a 10 minute walk away from the store. 

Appointments: They offer appointments and walk-ins.

Insurance: Free with most insurance plans

Staff editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of our editorial board members. The editorial board operates independently of our newsroom and includes members of the junior and senior staff. 

Jordan Spector, Junior Forum Editor 

Reilly Brady, Managing Forum Editor 

Jared Adelman, Managing Multimedia Editor 

Via Poolos, Editor-in-Chief 

Clara Richards, Editor-in-Chief

Cathay Poulsen, Chief of Copy

Ved Patel, Managing Chief of Copy

Amelia Raden, Junior Forum Editor 

Sylvie Richards, Senior Forum Editor

Riley Herron, Sports Editor