University of New Hampshire Flu Vaccinations

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) provided free flu vaccinations for students who paid their mandatory health fee. On Oct. 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. students could go to Hamel Rec Center on UNH’s campus and receive a flu shot; all students needed to bring their student ID’s for check – in. 

Emily D’Amato, a junior, nursing major gave the vaccine out to students. She said that every year the junior class works this event. She explained the process very simply. What students did was check-in with their student ID, so attendance could be taken. After waiting in line, the students are asked to fill out a health form to make sure they are eligible; once everything is approved, the nurses are cleared to give out the vaccine. Overall, they had a good turnout, D’Amato said.

“It was very busy while I worked,” she said. “We did close to two thousand flu shots. I am not sure in the past, but I believe it is usually busy every year.”      

Dan Kashulines, a junior nursing major, also administered the vaccine. Kashulines is eager to inform students about the benefits of the flu shot. He thinks it is important for everyone to get a flu shot, but especially when you live on a college campus because it is helpful in preventing sickness throughout the semester. 

A campus provides “an excellent breeding ground” for illness to arise, he said.     

The flu vaccine is one way for students to prevent getting the flu, he believes, and maintain health throughout the year. As a nursing major, Kashulines knows the flu shot is not for everyone and that there are scenarios which people should not receive it and that it is best to consult with a healthcare provider. He knows some people are not aware of some of the risks of not getting vaccinated.

“I would first ask them why they do not believe in vaccines or why they don't want to receive the shot,” he said. “I am not here to force anybody to do anything, but I would strongly encourage them to get the vaccine as long as it is safe for them. If they were curious about it, I might point them to some scholarly articles about the effectiveness of getting the shot in preventing the flu. I might also show them the death rates nationwide from the flu, as it is much higher than we tend to think.”

The New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control says that in the 2017-2018 flu season the highest age group presenting “influenza-like illness” in New Hampshire health facilities were those aged 5 to 24. This group represented close to 60 percent of people with “influenza-like illness”.

“In addition, if the person didn't feel like it because they don't mind getting sick and they're doubtful it will harm them, I would point them to the possibility that there are likely some immune compromised people in close proximity to them in their lives. Are they ever around young children or older adults? If they passed the flu onto someone from either of these populations, that could be a fatal mistake, literally.”

Victoria Moran, a sophomore equine science major, went to the Hamel Rec Center to receive the vaccine. She heard about it through signs posted around campus the day before and day of the event and went with some of her friends. Moran said the process was easy and everyone there was very helpful and nice with a relaxed setting. She got the vaccine to prevent further illness on campus for herself and others.

“I do think it's important because nobody wants to get the flu,” she said. “It's miserable and since we live so close to everyone here at college, it's imperative that everyone takes steps to not spread anymore disease than what is already out there. We live, eat, and learn so close to everyone around us, and we can't really escape it. If someone near you gets sick, there is a high risk that you will also be getting sick.”

Any UNH student that could not attend the event, can still schedule an appointment with the university’s “Health and Wellness” department. Students can schedule an appointment online, over the phone, or walk – in. All the information can be found on their website: https://www.unh.edu/health/.