Kent State University's DeWeese Health Center is offering three flu shot clinics for students, faculty, and staff to get protected for the 2023-2024 flu season.
The clinics will take place:
- From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, by the Kent State Bookstore
- From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, by the Kent State Bookstore
- From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. onTuesday, Sept. 26, at the Kent State Library, second floor, Wick Poetry Corner
Make an appointment by calling the DeWeese appointment line at 330-672-2322 or schedule online using the patient portal.
Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone must bring their health insurance card to their appointment. Clinics are open to students, faculty and staff from any campus. However, regional campuses will be offering flu shots during their on-campus health screenings which will take place throughout the fall.
Lisa Dannemiller, M.D., chief university physician, said it is important for everyone to get a flu shot.
“The best way to reduce the risk of getting influenza is to get vaccinated,” she said. “Flu can cause serious illness, particularly in the old and very young. Sometimes people miss several days of work or school because of influenza. Symptoms of influenza are sudden onset of fever, body aches, headaches and cough. Flu can make you feel miserable. Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated.”
Dannemiller said flu vaccines are safe and serious side effects are rare; even people with an egg allergy can get a flu shot.
It is expected that 156 million to 170 million doses of flu vaccine will be administered nationwide this fall. However, Dannemiller said Kent State needs to increase its flu vaccination rate.
“I think we can be doing a lot better, and I strongly encourage everyone to get their flu shot,” she said.
Getting a flu shot now will offer protection throughout the fall and winter when flu season is at its worst. Flu season usually starts in October and lasts through April.
“It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to fight influenza so get your shot now to protect you during flu season,” Dannemiller said.
For those who are unable to attend one of the clinics, flu shots are available daily by appointment at DeWeese Health Center on the Kent Campus.
Use this consent form link to download and complete the required paperwork before an appointment.