Updated COVID-19 booster shots are now available at the DeWeese Health Center on the Kent State University Kent Campus.
Lisa Dannemiller, M.D., chief university physician, said the boosters have only been in stock for two days, and there already has been great interest from faculty and staff in receiving the shot. She would like to see more students sign up for the booster to keep virus levels low on campus.
DeWeese is stocking the Moderna brand booster.
Among the earliest recipients of the booster was Phil Soencksen, a senior writer in the Division of University Communications and Marketing. Soencksen said he believes the vaccines have helped him to avoid contracting COVID-19.
“I keep current on my vaccines and boosters and take reasonable precautions. I think that combination has kept me healthy,” he said.
In addition to a COVID-19 booster shot, DeWeese nurse Susan Thomas gave Soencksen his flu shot during the same visit.
The university hosted several flu shot clinics on the Kent Campus in September and is offering flu shots daily at DeWeese by appointment.
Make an appointment by calling the DeWeese appointment line at 330-672-2322 or schedule online using the patient portal. Use this consent form link to download and complete the required paperwork before an appointment.
Those covered by the university’s Medical Mutual health insurance plan can also get a flu shot or COVID-19 booster at CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinics.
According to Kent State Employee Benefits, employees must present their Medical Mutual ID card when getting any vaccine before the covered vaccine is administered; and vaccines (including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine) must be billed through the medical plan. Vaccines not billed through the medical plan, or those billed through the prescription plan using the CVS/Caremark ID card, will not be covered.
If a covered employee or dependent has been required to pay for a flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine or any covered vaccine at the time of service, the employee should file a claim using this form and submit it to the address listed on the form for reimbursement.
Regional campuses will be offering flu shots during their on-campus health screenings, which will take place throughout the fall.
Dannemiller said Kent State needs to increase its flu vaccination rate, particularly among students.
Getting a flu shot now will offer protection throughout the fall and winter when flu season is at its worst. Flu season usually starts in October and lasts through April.
“It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to fight influenza so get your shot now to protect you during flu season,” Dannemiller said.
Kat Lindsey, executive director of DeWeese, said more flu shot clinics will be upcoming on the Kent Campus this fall, as part of a new initiative, “DeWeese on the Go.”
“We are working hard to bring health and wellness out of our center onto the Kent Campus,” she said.