With the beginning of Fall approaching, so approaches the dreaded flu season. To combat the incoming flu season, Student Health Services urges students to engage in the New Jersey College and University Flu Challenge, sponsored by the NJ Department of Health. Students are encouraged to participate in this challenge to help spread flu awareness and increase vaccination rates among New Jersey college students.
When college students come down with the flu they are sometimes out of class and work upwards of eight days. This causes them to be behind on schoolwork and lose money from being away from the work place. Getting vaccinated is a step students can take to help prevent illness from the flu.
Kean's Student Health Services, located in Downs Hall, is an office on campus available to all students both commuters and residents alike. They are able to provide nearly every service a doctor's office could, completely free or charged through one's insurance. Students should be aware of their options so they don't opt for an urgent care facility for something Student Health Services could have assited them with. Student Health Services stands with the New Jersey Department of Health in their initiative to help college students get the flu vaccination in protecting themselves, their fellow students and Kean community members.
"The flu can affect anyone, but several lifestyle factors of university students can put them at increased risk of contracting the flu. These factors may include: close contact at places such as classrooms and public transportation. Further, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating and irregular exercise can weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to the flu. Having the flu can impact your academic success. The average student who gets the flu will experience symptoms for eight or more days! Protect yourself and protect our campus," says the New Jersey Department of Health.
Flu clinics will be taking place on campus this semester with vaccinations provided by Community Medial Care. The dates for the flu clinics are as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 3 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Down's Hall
- Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the D'Angola Gym, Room 103.
- Thursday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Miron Student Center (MSC) Pre-function Lobby
Most major insurances will be accepted when getting the flu vaccinations and the cost for the vaccination without insurance is $25. Other vaccinations will also be available. If you get your flu vaccination outside of these date they can still count as a part of the university challenge! Simply take a brief survey that can be found by using this QR code:
For more information on the Flu Challenge contact Student Health Services at (908) 737-4880 or visit them in Downs Hall, Room 126. Student Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
