Marist Holds On-Campus Flu Shot Clinics for Mandatory Vaccine

Vice President of Student Affairs Deborah DiCaprio sent an email to the Marist College community on Sept. 7 reminding students that the flu vaccines are mandatory this year. This reminder comes as the country prepares for the combination of the upcoming flu season and COVID-19. In an effort to help ensure all students get vaccinated, Marist will hold on-campus Flu Clinics throughout the remainder of the fall semester.

Flu vaccines prevent the viral spread of influenza, which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says infected 35.5 million Americans in the 2018-19 season and killed an estimated 34,200.

Students wait in line to get on campus flu shots. Source: Sam Murphy

This year, health experts say flu shots are “more important than ever.” 

“Since hospitals and doctors’ offices are going to be very busy caring for COVID-19 patients, a flu vaccine can help decrease burdens on the health care system,” said Dr. Susan Bailey, president of the American Medical Association. Flu season begins in the U.S. around October; this year, that comes as the country has surpassed 200,000 coronavirus deaths.

After DiCaprio’s initial email, all students will have the opportunity to get the flu shot on campus every other Wednesday, starting Sept. 9 through Nov. 18. Health Services has partnered with Rite Aid to provide 150 vaccines per clinic. The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Marian Hall each Wednesday of operation, strategically placed during a period when all students will not have classes.

To receive their flu shot, students need to have their insurance card, pharmacy benefit card and photo ID. Students will also be asked to fill out the “Screening Questionnaire and Consent Form.” The flu shot should be free for most students; however, if their insurance does not cover it, they will be charged $10. 

Students can still get the flu vaccine off-campus, however, they must then upload proof of vaccination to the Marist Health Services Patient Portal by Jan. 15, 2021. DiCaprio did acknowledge the potential for medical or religious exemptions.

At the most recent clinic, on Sept. 23, long lines and wait times were reported as students went to fulfill this latest health requirement during a pandemic. Bianca Gibbons-Morales ‘21 got her flu shot at the first clinic and said it was “super easy,” adding that “it’s nice that they’re making it easy for us to actually get it done.”

Source: Sam Murphy