Texas A&M Health Science Center students come together for flu vaccine clinics

Texas A&M University will hold four flu vaccine clinics this year for employees throughout the month of October. At each clinic, students from across the Texas A&M University Health Science Center will be participating and learning valuable interprofessional skills while helping Texas A&M faculty and staff.

The Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness has partnered with Texas A&M College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Texas A&M Physicians to offer influenza (flu) vaccine (quadrivalent injection) clinics for Texas A&M System employees and their eligible dependents. Vaccinations are covered under Texas A&M insurance plans for faculty, staff, retirees and their eligible dependents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peak influenza (flu) season occurs in the fall and winter. Despite there being an annual vaccine, many Americans will likely still be hospitalized from complications of the flu. The flu vaccine lasts all season (October through March), so it is recommended getting the vaccine at the beginning of the season.

Texas A&M plans to administer more than 2,500 vaccinations during these four clinics, which include a “drive-thru” clinic. The drive-thru clinic allows students an invaluable opportunity to experience a fast-paced mock mass vaccination situation as part of their disaster preparedness training.

“The drive-thru clinic is a great run through. Students have to make sure traffic flow is good, coolers are at the correct temperature—it’s a great process for us to practice a mass patient situation,” said Bree Watzak, PharmD, BCPS, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy.

Each college will have approximately 90–100 students participating by administering vaccines, assisting with logistics and processing information. Faculty advise and monitor students throughout the process.

“We are partnering with Texas A&M to keep our Aggie family healthy by protecting Texas A&M employees and families against the flu virus,” said Suzanne Van, MSN, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When a large number of students and employees are vaccinated against the flu, it makes it more difficult for the disease to spread. The clinic benefits the community and our students, who are able to provide this valuable service back to their Aggie family.”

Clinic schedule:

• October 4:  Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinic, General Service Complex
• October 5:  Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinic, Koldus Building
• October 12: Drive-thru Flu Vaccine Clinic, Fan Field Parking Lot, off Research Parkway
• October 20: Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinic, Employee Wellness Fair at the Student Rec Center

***Please have required forms when attending a clinic.