The University Health Center is hosting a flu clinic in the Sherrod Library Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help students get their flu vaccine.
“They’re kind of like nice, quick appointments for students, faculty or staff, where you come over, you fill out like a two page questionnaire and then the nurse gives you the vaccine,” said Talisha Troutt, a nurse practitioner at the UHC.
Doctors recommend individuals get the flu vaccine each year, and Troutt says it is especially important this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think it is important for students to get their flu shot, especially this year more than ever with the current COVID pandemic,” said Troutt. “Both of these are upper respiratory viruses that have the potential to cause serious health complications and even potential hospitalization. So, by getting your flu vaccine, we’re able to reduce the spread of the flu virus, and that helps us to better protect our community and especially our vulnerable populations.”
The flu clinic is not a new event on campus. Troutt says the clinic is something the UHC has offered in the past. Alongside the clinic in the library, the UHC offers the flu vaccine by appointment during regular clinic hours.
The flu clinic is not just being offered on the main campus, either. Two additional flu shot clinics are being offered on ETSU’s satellite campuses. The one on the Sevierville campus will take place Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the one on the Kingsport campus will take place Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We just offer these satellite sites to kind of better reach out to our faculty, students and staff,” said Troutt.
The flu vaccine costs $30 out-of-pocket, but the cost is covered by most insurance. Participants should bring their ETSU ID and insurance card.
Students interested in getting their flu shot at the flu clinic should call the UHC at 423-439-4225 to pre-register, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Participants are reminded that masks are required in all university building public spaces as part of COVID-19 response guidelines.
