UD requires flu vaccinations for all students

Students at the University of Dayton must receive their flu shot in order to live on-campus next semester. Photo courtesy of Flyer News.

Tori Miller

Contributing Writer

Students at the University of Dayton are now required to receive a flu vaccine by November 1 if they wish to continue in-person living and learning for the 2021 spring semester.

Dr. Mary Buchwalder, medical director of the University of Dayton Student Health Center, said this is the first time in the 30 years she’s been with the University that a flu shot has been required. 

Dr. Buchwalder said that COVID-19 is the reason behind the University’s decision. 

“COVID-19 can be deadly,” Bachwalder said “Each year in the United States, influenza kills thousands of people and causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. Having both circulating at one time creates several issues. Besides seriously compromising the health and safety of our University community, it stresses hospitals and other medical services.”

UD has teamed up with Premier Community Health to ensure all students who request a flu shot on campus can receive one for free either at the Health Center or at upcoming flu clinics on campus. These clinics will take place on Oct. 19, Oct. 21 and Oct. 23. More information, including specific times and the registration link, is forthcoming.

Walk-in flu shots for students will available at the Student Health Center on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is an exemption form for students who cannot receive the flu vaccination due to medical, religious or philosophical reasons. After reading and filling out the form here, students must submit it to Premier Health Network, which is administering flu vaccine compliance and exemptions for the University. Students must submit the form to pchinformation@PremierHealth.com by Nov. 1. Students with exemptions will still be able to live and attend class on campus. 

Anyone with an allergy to eggs, ingredients in the flu vaccine or who has had Guillain-Barré Syndrome should talk with their primary care physician about whether they should get a flu shot. Students with further questions can find more information at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm.

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