Flu Shot | Photo by RF._.studio | pexels.com
As colleges announce that flu shots will be required for students to live on campus in the spring semester, Wright State University (WSU) students wait to hear if they too share a similar fate.
Colleges requiring flu shots
As of Oct. 9, the University of Dayton (UD) began to require students to obtain a flu shot to be on campus.
“To help curb the spread of the flu on campus during the pandemic, the university is requiring students be vaccinated for the flu,” said UD Student Health Medical Director Mary Buchwalder. “The deadline is Nov. 1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you receive your flu shot by the end of October.”
Students who do not receive their flu shot or fill out an exemption form (for medical or religious reasons) will be required to attend classes virtually next semester.
Wayne State University and the University of North Carolina will also be implementing similar protocols within the coming weeks. Students K-12 as well as those attending college in the state of Massachusetts are also now required to obtain a flu shot with the exception of medical and religious exemptions.
The wright plan
“Wright State has no plans at this time to make flu shots mandatory for Wright State students,” said Director of Communications Seth Bauguess.
Student Health Services at WSU is offering appointments for students to get their flu shot Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as well as 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Though these flu shot appointments are offered, obtaining a flu shot is not required.
“Students are encouraged to get a flu shot this fall,” said a representative of Student Health Services in a message to WSU students. “Given the continued spread of COVID-19, it is important that everyone do everything they can to stay healthy. The best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting an annual flu shot.”
To make a flu shot appointment, students can call 937.245.7200 or use the patient portal on the Student Health Services website if they are an existing patient.
