Jakob Milani
Staff Writer
jmilani@murraystate.edu
Flu season is here, and it is the time of year that scientists have been wary of, not because of how many flu cases there could be, but also because of the pandemic currently sweeping the nation.
Universities across the country have made flu shots mandatory for their students in order to help fight the flu. Some universities are not enforcing these flu shots, but are simply recommending them to their students in an attempt to help.
Murray State has not made it mandatory for students to get a flu shot, but offered a two-day flu shot clinic for the students. This was the first time Murray State offered these clinics.
Jennifer Caldwell, a member of the student affairs office and a professor at Murray State, coordinated the flu shot program.
Caldwell said for a first-time event, the turnout from students was good.
“It has been reported that 185 students attended the two-day flu shot clinic for students,” Caldwell said. “This is the first time we have offered this event, so there is no way to gauge if this is more than usual.”
She then talked about how the event came to be and how it worked.
“The University decided to offer the flu shot clinics for the students as part of the Racer Safe and Healthy guidelines,” Caldwell said. “The clinics gave students the opportunity to either drive through or walk up to get their flu shot at a convenient location… Students had to provide insurance information or pay cash for the flu shot. The shots were not provided free of charge.”
Caldwell also said the goal of the event was to help ensure students stay safe during the fall season.
“We are trying to help encourage students to take one more step to staying safe and healthy this fall,” Caldwell said.
The University said it will not offer the flu shot clinic again this year. However, if students still wish to get a flu shot, they can contact Health Services so that they may receive one on campus.