The vaccination is available on a walk-in basis and without charge to employees and their dependents 14 and older who are covered under the MCCD Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) network. However, spouses or other dependents covered by the insurance plan of a separate employer – even if that plan is BCBSAZ – are not eligible for the free vaccination under this MCCD program.

Employees and family members who are non-MCCD BCBSAZ members as well as students and others may receive the influenza vaccination for $20 and a pneumonia vaccination, which usually lasts from five years to eight years, for $35. Payment can be made by check or cash, and receipts will be issued.

The MCCD vaccination program is for seasonal flu only and not for the H1N1 "swine flu" strain, which requires a separate vaccination. The H1N1 vaccination has limited availability across the nation at this time and is prioritized for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, healthcare and emergency-medical-services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and people 25-64 who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic-health disorders or compromised immune systems

GCC continues with its participation in a MCCD initiative to inform employees, students and others about precautions to minimize their exposure to seasonal and H1N1 flu as well as flu and cold symptoms and recommended treatment. Information is posted across the GCC campuses. If you know of a confirmed or suspected case of H1N1 on the campuses, please send an advisory email to greg.rogers@gcmailmaricopa.edu so the proper health-hazard response can be initiated.

Questions about vaccination program on the GCC campuses can be directed to Nicola Perry, manager of Fitness and Wellness, at nicola.perry@gcmail.maricopa.edu or 623.845.3341.