Participants praise annual flu clinic's accessibility

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, University Health Services commenced its annual FluFest in the Frist Campus Center basement. The clinic offers flu vaccinations free of charge to undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff members. This year, participants praised the clinic for its accessibility and friendly staff.

According to a contractor working at the clinic, over 2,500 people received vaccinations on the first day alone, approximately one-third of whom were undergraduate students.

Patients were given brief forms to fill out before entering the line to receive a vaccine. After having their University ID cards checked, patients were directed to one of the over 20 nurses and promptly vaccinated. The nurses requested that vaccinated patients sit in a large waiting area for around 15 minutes before leaving to ensure no adverse effects.

“It’s a great use of University money to make sure that everyone’s healthy,” said Nick Schmeller ’21, who received a flu shot on Thursday, Oct. 4. “Everyone’s sick right now, and we don’t want everyone to be sick with more serious stuff in the winter.”

It was common for students to go to the vaccine clinic in groups. Rachel Hazan ’21 and Emma Parish ’21, who attended together, both said they liked how the event was organized.

“There’s been a lot of advertising, so people are very aware that it’s going on,” Parish said. “The central location also makes it really easy for students to get the flu shot.”

“It was really fast — actually, shockingly fast,” Hazan added. “Also, it’s nice that the clinic is three days, so if you’re really busy one day, it’s not all or nothing.”

Karen Zhang ’19 echoed Hazan and Parish’s sentiments, noting that the convenience “encourages people to get the flu shot.”

“You don’t pay for it, and it’s easy,” Zhang said.

Andrew Lin ’21 found his entire experience with the vaccine clinic to be straightforward and enjoyable.

“My experience was very easy and quick. I was in line for just about five minutes,” Lin said. “The nurses were very friendly and we had good conversations. It was a very professional environment, and it was just a very easy and accessible way to get a flu vaccination.”

Esther Julis ’20 also emphasized that the clinic workers were very friendly and contributed to her positive experience.

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“I am very scared of getting vaccinations, so I was a little hesitant about getting my shot,” Julis said. “But the woman who gave me the vaccination was really nice and made me laugh a lot and eased my anxieties during the process.”

After getting his flu shot, Micah Herskind ’19 noted that it was "quick, easy, and painless.”

“Everybody should get the flu shot,” Herskind said. “There’s no reason not to.”

The last day to get vaccinations through the clinic will be Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Frist Campus Center multi-purpose rooms.

Dependents aged four and older are required to pay a $34 fee for the shot.

According to the UHS website, the clinic is co-sponsored by Auxiliary to the Isabella McCosh Infirmary, Facilities, Frist Campus Center, Office of the Provost, and Office of the Vice President for Campus Life. More information about flu vaccines and scheduling an appointment outside of the clinic hours can be found on the UHS vaccinations page.