Oakland University is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other schools to compete in the 2017 Campus Flu Vaccination Battle. The purpose of the challenge is to increase flu vaccination rates among all Michiganders.
“This friendly competition has expanded this year to track the number of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans of OU who get immunized against influenza,” said Maryanne Swanson, nurse practitioner and director of the Graham Health Center. “It was especially encouraging for me that President Pescovitz wanted to be first in line to kick off our campaign.”
Whether getting a flu vaccine on campus, at a doctor’s office visit or by visiting a drug store or clinic, everyone vaccinated is eligible to submit their information through this self-reporting link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fluchallenge. While the Graham Health Center team can provide computers and phones to access the link, the contest is unique in that participants must submit their own information. Each survey recorded earns credit for the school, and competition winners will be announced towards the end of this calendar year.
Oakland is competing in the mid-sized school category against Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Grand Valley, Wayne State and Western Michigan. Other schools in the competition include the University of Michigan, Calvin College, Hope College, Rochester College and Southwestern Michigan College.
“This year’s supply of flu vaccine has arrived and we have started this year’s Flu Challenge,” said Nancy Jansen, nurse practitioner at the Graham Health Center. “After coming in a close second the past two years, I’d like to call upon our entire campus community to help us win the competition, but more importantly, help us help everyone stay healthy and avoid the flu.”
Why participate?
Each year, many young adults in Michigan will get sick, miss class or even die from the flu. Last year, only 13 percent of college-age residents between the ages of 18-24 were vaccinated in the state of Michigan. The good news is that was up 0.8% over the prior year and we have seen a 5-year trend of increased vaccination rates in the state among this age group.
How to get a flu shot on campus:
The vaccine is offered every day at the Graham Health Center via appointment and on a walk-in basis. In addition, the Graham Health Center will be holding Fluappoloosa flu clinics around campus at these dates, times and locations:
- Every day at the Graham Health Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Oakland Center West Entrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Human Health Building from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Oakland Center West Entrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 12 on the first floor of the Kresge Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Oakland Center West Entrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 25 outside the Vandenberg cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 1 on the first floor of the Kresge Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 9 outside the Vandenberg cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the lower level of the Recreation Center from 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information about the flu vaccine availability or to schedule an appointment, email [email protected] or call (248) 370-2341.
Learn more about the flu season, flu vaccine safety and effectiveness by visiting the Centers for Disease Control website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html
For a complete list of this year’s Campus Flu Vaccination Battle contest rules: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Flu_Challenge_Rules_Regulations_v2_466570_7.pdf
The Graham Health Center staff is leading this year's Campus Flu Vaccination Battle efforts for Oakland University.