Think About Flu Protection Now

The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and with that comes the time of year when flu viruses are once again on the rise. For the University of Siegen, this is the perfect time to remind everyone about flu prevention, as employees can once again get vaccinated against the flu at the university this year.

The program has been in place since 2014 and has been well received, according to Sabine Tröster-Müller of the University of Siegen’s Executive Department for Occupational Safety, Health Protection, and Campus Security. “We administer about 200 doses every year.” The university offers the vaccination appointments as part of its preventive health care program. “Our goal is to make access to preventive health care as easy as possible,” says Sabine Tröster-Müller. Anyone who would like to get vaccinated can register online and receive the vaccine on-site at their scheduled appointment. It is important to bring your health insurance card.

True flu (influenza) is not the same as a harmless cold. The flu can take a severe course and, for example, cause pneumonia. Getting vaccinated not only protects your own health; by protecting yourself from the flu, you also help prevent others from becoming infected—especially those for whom the flu can be particularly dangerous, such as the elderly and pregnant women. “Especially at a university, where you regularly come into contact with many people, the vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself and others from infection,” says Stefan Grund, Head of Occupational Safety at the University of Siegen. 

The flu vaccine is administered using the current quadrivalent vaccine for all age groups, ideally in the fall and thus before the start of flu season. For logistical reasons, those eligible for the high-dose vaccine (people with chronic illnesses, those over 60) should contact their primary care physician directly.

Additional Health Services 

There are additional diverse workplace health promotion programs scheduled at the University of Siegen over the coming months. Through various preventive health initiatives, the university aims to support its employees in identifying health risks early and maintaining their health. Among other things, several screening programs are on the agenda for the fall and winter. 

Carotid screening involves examining the carotid artery. Narrowing of the arteries can increase the risk of a stroke. Early detection can therefore be a key component of prevention. 

Dates: September 24 (AR-M 0115) and November 10 (US-D 010). 

The health of the leg veins can be assessed with a vein screening. Color-coded duplex ultrasound makes blood flow in the veins visible and audible, making it possible to detect or rule out venous disorders. Dates: December 3, 2026 (AR-M 0115/Lounge) and January 28, 2027 (US-D 010).

Another topic is bone health. Bone density can decrease with age or due to uneven strain on the body. An ultrasound measurement offers a quick and non-invasive way to assess your bone health. Date: February 17, 2027 (AR-M 0115)

All screenings can be booked online starting Monday, September 14, 2026, and are free of charge for University of Siegen employees. They are offered as part of the health promotion program in cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse.

Focusing on Mental Health, Too

“For us, health is not just a physical concept,” says Sabine Tröster-Müller. “It involves not only detecting physical illnesses as early as possible, but also raising awareness about taking steps to support one’s own mental health.”

One example of this approach is the opportunity to participate in World Mental Health Day on October 13. University employees can use this event to expand their knowledge of mental health and gain new insights to apply in their daily work. The program includes, among other things, online keynote presentations and practical exercises.

Techniker Krankenkasse offers additional digital health services that university employees can use. These include the digital health days in December. “In our day-to-day work, many things can come together at once: new tasks, changes, time pressure. This makes it all the more important to consciously focus on one’s own health—both physical and mental,” says Tröster-Müller. “Our offerings are designed to address as wide a range of areas as possible.”

Employees can find a comprehensive overview of the health promotion offerings and further information on the University of Siegen’s Health Service Portal. Information on registration and the respective dates can also be found there. Sabine Tröster-Müller is happy to answer any questions.