MTSU students offered 7 opportunities for free flu shots with state’s help

Oct 07, 2020 at 06:30 am by WGNS

An MTSU student receives a flu shot from a Health Services clinic staff member. Students have multiple opportunities to obtain a free flu shot by Oct. 28 at various locations across campus. (Submitted file photo)

MURFREESBORO Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students will have seven opportunities in the next four weeks to obtain free flu shots in a partnership between colleges within the university and Health Services.

Health Services has always offered flu shots to students, but charged $20 to cover the cost of the vaccine. This summer, the Tennessee Department of Health informed MTSU about the opportunity to request free flu vaccine directly from them that could be offered to students when it became available.

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While Health Services and Health Promotion officials considered the best strategy to reach the most students, Health Services Director Rick Chapman came up with the idea of partnering with the colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Education and Media and Entertainment, and James E. Walker Library.

All will host these upcoming flu shot events:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 13 — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Todd Art Gallery.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14 — 12:30 to 5 p.m. in the Academic Classroom Building lobby.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in College of Education Building Room 160.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22 — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first floor of Walker Library.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27 — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building lobby.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28 — 12:30 to 5 p.m., Academic Classroom Building lobby.

The events kicked off Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Business and Aerospace Room S326.

“The intersection of COVID19 and seasonal flu this winter puts a potential strain on our health care system to meet the needs of sick people in our local community,” said Lisa Schrader, Health Promotion director. “Public health experts are encouraging all adults to get a flu vaccine as a way to further reduce the chances of our hospitals being overrun with sick patients.”

“Much like wearing a mask, getting a flu vaccine is another way for each of us to protect not only ourselves, but also the broader community,” added Schrader, who said she “was thrilled when seven colleges offered space to us.”

With Health Services clinical staff stretched thin managing COVID cases, the School of Nursing stepped up. Faculty members Barbara Lancaster and Joyce Finch enlisted the help of some upper-division students, who will administer the shots.

“The experience thus far is a great example of how academic departments and auxiliary units can work together to provide services to students,” Schrader said.

The state is making the FluMist nasal spray available as part of the free vaccine program, so even students who might be needle-phobic have a chance to get vaccinated, Schrader added.

To find building locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/MTSUParking2020.
For more information, call 615-494-8704.

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