With the flu season approaching quickly, the Honors Prevention and Control of Diseases class taught by Christopher Woolverton, Ph.D., is working to prevent a flu outbreak by helping to organize and promote student participation in the annual Kent State flu vaccine clinic. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Kent State’s University Health Services, the College of Nursing and the College of Public Health will host the annual flu vaccine clinic for Kent State students, faculty, staff and dependents (dependents must be age 6 and older and on the university’s insurance plan) on the second floor of University Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Every year, the influenza virus spreads across college campuses nationwide. Close living quarters, packed classrooms, social events and shared restrooms make universities the ideal breeding grounds for the flu virus, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in five people catch the flu each year.
“People don’t take the flu seriously, but it can be a big problem on campus,” said Emily Seibert, one of the Honors Public Health students involved with organizing the clinic.
Free Swag for Student Participants
In past years, University Health Services has conducted the annual flu vaccine clinic with limited success of reaching students. An estimated 300 of the Kent Campus’ 28,000+ students received their flu shot last year at the Kent State clinic. This year, the Honors Prevention and Control of Diseases class aims to encourage student participation at the flu clinic with increased advertising on campus and opportunities to win raffle baskets with items from Kent local businesses. Also, many Kent State professors are supporting the flu clinic by offering extra credit to students with proof of the flu vaccination.
“There has never been a flu clinic like this, and I am excited to work with the class,” said Dr. Angela DeJulius, director of Kent State University Health Services.
How to “Wreck the Flu”
For Students: Kent State students may come to the clinic, located on the second floor of the library, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 28. The cost of vaccination is $20, which can be paid in cash, credit or billed through the Bursar.
For Employees and Dependents: Registration is required for Kent State employees and dependents age 6 and older for the Oct. 28 clinic. Employees and dependents covered on the university’s insurance plans will be able to receive the flu vaccine at no charge. Those employees who are not covered by a university plan will be charged $20 for the vaccination. Checks may be made payable to Kent State University.
So come get vaccinated and help “Wreck the Flu” on the Kent Campus on Oct. 28.
Additional Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website
For more information or questions about Kent State’s annual flu vaccine clinic, please email eseibert@kent.edu, eturk1@kent.edu or jambros5@kent.edu.
For more information about University Health Services at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/uhs.