Behind the daily rush to class, club sports practices and time with friends lies an annual public health challenge for undergraduates: staying healthy through the fall semester as flu season approaches.
National data highlight the importance of flu prevention.
According to national tracking data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 46.5% of adults nationwide typically receive their annual flu shot, leaving more than half of the population vulnerable to seasonal outbreaks. Recent CDC medical tracking highlights that seasonal influenza surges remain highly unpredictable, frequently causing widespread illness and spikes in hospitalizations. Yet on campus, trying to figure out clinic requirements and finding time to get vaccinated between midterms often causes students to put health on the back burner.
To address campus health, TCU is hosting its annual Fall Flu Clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Campus Recreation Center gymnasium. Organized by the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the one-day event is designed to simplify the process for students, faculty and staff by offering free vaccinations in a convenient location.
Students visiting the Rec Center can expect a straightforward, efficient line managed by senior nursing students ready to guide them through the process. To help keep things moving, campus health coordinators recommend a few simple preparation steps. Students should wear short sleeves to allow easy access to the upper arm, bring their TCU ID cards and complete their digital consent forms online in advance.
Ultimately, keeping the campus healthy requires everyone to do their part. By taking advantage of the free on-campus clinic, TCU students can help protect themselves and others as flu season progresses.
TCU Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers free flu shot clinic to students, staff, and faculty on campus. (TCU 360/Sasha Chapman)