University Health Services (UHS) announced in an email Wednesday students are required to receive a flu vaccine this fall. Director of UHS Edward Junkins said in the email the decision comes as part of an effort to reduce the spread of respiratory-based illnesses and minimize flu symptoms on campus.
Junkins said minimizing flu symptoms, which can match COVID-19 symptoms, will preserve local and campus health resources used for diagnosing COVID-19.
The University will hold two free flu blitzes from Oct. 4 through Oct. 6 and Oct. 25 through Oct. 27. Junkins said all students — undergraduate, graduate and professional — are required to receive the vaccine. Students who receive the vaccine off campus must upload documentation to their UHS portal, Junkins wrote.
Registration is required for the flu blitz. Students must complete the flu vaccine requirement by Nov. 1 or face a hold on their class registration for next semester. Students may request a religious or medical exemption, the email said.
