More than 100 Wayne State University students came together Tuesday, Sept. 19, to get vaccinated against the flu at the #StopTheFluWSU Kickoff, which was held at the Gullen Mall Fountain Court.
“The #StopTheFluWSU campaign is a wonderful opportunity for Wayne State students to get vaccinated against the flu at no out-of-pocket cost,” said Provost Keith Whitfield. “Staying healthy means that students will be able to attend classes, stay focused on their schoolwork and be actively involved in campus life, which is key to student success. Healthy Warriors make great Warriors.”
The Campus Health Center (CHC) collaborated with the College of Nursing to have B.S.N. students administer the flu vaccine.
"Administering these flu vaccines to help protect Wayne State students, staff and faculty is just one way our nursing students impact urban health — both on campus and in the community at large," said Dean Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, college-aged people (those between 18 and 24 years old) have the lowest flu vaccination rate among any other age group in Michigan. During the 2016-17 flu season, only 13 percent of college-aged people were vaccinated against the flu in Michigan. Detroit has one of the lowest flu vaccination rates in Michigan among college-aged people, at only 6.2 percent.
To bring awareness of the low vaccination rates and attempt to increase flu vaccinations on campus, the CHC launched the #StopTheFluWSU campaign. From Sept. 1 through Dec. 15, WSU students can post a photo on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter with the hashtag #StopTheFluWSU for the chance to win gift cards. The goal is that people in the student’s network will see the post and be motivated to get the flu shot.
“The #StopTheFluWSU campaign is our way to reach WSU students and inspire them, through their peers, to get vaccinated against the flu,” said Ann Clifton, the CHC’s chief nursing officer. “We want to increase our flu vaccination rates on campus to keep students healthy so they can be successful both academically and personally.”
The Campus Health Center offers flu shots at no out-of-pocket cost to WSU students. Insurance will be billed if the student has it, but no student will be expected to pay anything out-of-pocket. Walk-in appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday from Oct. 2 until Dec. 11. Students also have the option to attend outreach events across campus as advertised on the Campus Health Center Events Calendar.
Wayne State has won the statewide College Flu Vaccination Challenge for two consecutive years. To help Wayne State defend its title, anyone who has received the flu shot — whether alumni, community members, faculty, staff or students — is invited to complete this brief survey.