Wayne State University’s Campus Health Center (CHC) has won the Michigan Flu Vaccination Challenge for the sixth straight year in in the Medium School division. 

According to Gloria “Lita” Smith, CHC’s interim chief nursing officer, the center hosted nearly 50 outreach events from September to January to allow the Warrior community easy access to the flu vaccine. Through these events and regularly scheduled walk-in days, approximately 3,000 WSU faculty, staff and students received the vaccine, securing CHC’s success in the challenge. CHC Health collaborated with the College of Nursing and the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to have students administer the flu vaccine.

Vaccinating against the flu is the easiest way to prevent contraction of the virus; however, studies have shown that the percentage of those who actually receive the vaccine is low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccination rates on U.S. college campuses tend to be between 8% and 39%.

To tackle these low percentages, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services teamed with Alana’s Foundation to create a friendly challenge among Michigan’s colleges and universities.

Smith said CHC officials are very proud of their victory. “My team understands the importance of the influenza vaccine and preventing a potentially significant virus,” she said. “They have a long-standing plan to promote and educate our students, faculty and staff to ensure engagement and the ability for as many people as possible to receive the flu vaccine.”

If you haven’t received your flu vaccine, it’s not too late. For more information about getting a flu shot, call the CHC at 313-577-5041 or come to the CHC during walk-in hours in February or March. The CHC is located at 5285 Anthony Wayne Drive.