The University Department of Student Health recently signed a contract with a new vaccine provider to offer flu shots in Newcomb Hall this year. The University signed with the new provider in an effort to prevent the long lines that plagued last year's clinic.
"The whole plan this year is to have no lines," University Nursing Director Sandy Murray said. "We have a new company that is very experienced. They are experienced in keeping the flow going so we shouldn't have the problems with lines that we had last year."
The new company, Intravene, administers vaccine programs at colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.
"Intravene is out of Lynchburg and is a physician-based group and has been really successful at providing immunization at Virginia Tech and the University's summer orientation [program]," said Student Health Director James Turner.
To minimize waiting time and lines, Intravene and Student Health will set up over 100 chairs in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom Thursday, Nov. 6. The clinic is scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Students need not make an appointment.
The new set-up will separate students into different lines according to their method of payment and will further divide students based on those receiving only the flu shot from those receiving multiple vaccinations.
"We are encouraging everyone who has not completed all of their immunization, required to begin school, to come," Murray said.
Murray said vaccines will be available for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Meningitis and Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The flu vaccine costs $20 while the other vaccines range in price.
"We have every confidence that students will find the service is much faster and will make it through the clinic quite rapidly," Turner said.
Turner said he believes the new organization of the flu clinics will result in more students getting vaccinated.
"More students will end up getting the flu shot," Turner said. "Not only are students protecting themselves against the ravages of the flu, but they will decrease the disease burden at the University and the Charlottesville Community."
Murray stressed the importance of receiving the vaccine as early as possible.
"For students to make sure their school schedule is not disrupted, they should come in and get a shot," she said. "We have been hearing that the flu this year is really intense."
Students who cannot make it to the vaccine clinic Nov. 6 can receive the flu shots on a walk-in basis in at the Elson Student Health Center.
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