Flu vaccination more important than ever this year

Central Michigan University students, faculty and staff are highly encouraged to vaccinate against influenza this year to prevent the outbreak of a second communicable disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To increase the rate of vaccination, the university is offering two ways to get a flu shot on campus within the next few weeks.

"We must prevent as many cases of the flu as possible to ensure our campus community stays well and to reduce the burden on our regional health care system during a pandemic," said Dr. George E. Kikano, CMU vice president for health affairs and dean of the College of Medicine.

Kikano said behaviors to slow the spread of COVID-19 also apply to the flu.

"If people vaccinate and follow COVID-19 preventive guidelines ― wash their hands, use face coverings, cover coughs and sneezes, and continue to social distance ― we should see fewer incidents of the flu," he said.

Flu shot availability on campus

CMU Health Clinic

• Where: CMU Health Clinic, Foust Hall, Room 200.
• When: 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call ahead for an appointment: 989-774-6599.
• Cost: No out-of-pocket cost if not covered by insurance.
• Questions? Call 989-774-6599.

State of Michigan pop-up clinic

A two-day flu vaccine clinic is part of a statewide initiative to increase the number of flu vaccinations in Michigan by one million.

• Where: Bovee University Center Rotunda.
• When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and Monday, Oct. 5.
• Cost:No out-of-pocket cost.
• Preregistration: Preregistration is recommended, but walk-ins also are welcome. To preregister, go to the Visiting Nurses Association website:
  • For a Sunday appointment, use clinic ID 474 and passcode iF5AsaP.
  • For Monday, use clinic ID 475 and passcode Kq2jZFi.

This clinic is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, funded in part by Alana's Foundation and staffed by the Michigan Community Visiting Nurses Association.