Kaitlyn Richards ’29
Guest Writer
It is that time of year when the leaves begin to change colors, the summer air gives way to crisp autumn days, and the warm weather turns cooler. Unfortunately, as the seasons change, the number of seasonal illnesses follows suit, and, most notably, the number of influenza cases begins to increase. Whether it be a cough, sneeze, or even a conversation with a peer in a dorm room or in the dining hall, the influenza virus can spread quickly and easily. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over forty million cases of influenza each year throughout the nation. On a college campus, the spread of influenza can cost students days to weeks of class, which can be detrimental to the academic semester.
Fortunately, this year, the College of the Holy Cross’ Health Services Team is working hard to help keep all campus community members healthy during the upcoming months. To prevent missed classes, games, events, or even club meetings, the team is working tirelessly to provide all Holy Cross students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to receive vaccinations through the annual “Flu + Vaccine Clinic.” The team at Health Services prides itself on making vaccinations easy to access for all community members, and therefore the vaccination clinic is an excellent opportunity for community members to help protect themselves and everyone around campus.
The “Flu + Vaccine Clinic” will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30, as well as Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Hogan Campus Center. The clinic will provide not only the flu vaccine but also ten other important vaccinations that can help maintain a healthy community. Health Services noted that the COVID-19 vaccine has new federal restrictions in place; therefore, some age groups may not be eligible to receive the vaccine, but all efforts will be made to ensure that the campus is healthy and prepared for the upcoming seasons.
Campus community members are encouraged to schedule vaccination appointments directly through the portal on myHC, but walk-in vaccinations are welcome based on the availability of the clinic staff. If you plan on attending the clinic, Health Services asks that all participants “bring their insurance card or a picture of the front and back of your insurance card, even if the participants have the school or employee health insurance.” The staff also requests that all participants wear clothing that makes the injection site easily accessible for the clinic’s staff. For example, a short-sleeve shirt is preferred.
Health Services is always an important part of the Holy Cross campus community each year, and the team is always available for any student who needs medical assistance during the school year. The office is located inside Loyola Hall, and there is always a physician on call after the regular hours of operation end to ensure that students have the resources necessary to remain safe on campus.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Health Services
Copy Edited by Molly Croft ’29
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