UPEI Health Centre hosts free vaccination clinic for students and community

Flu season is here, and so is UPEI’s annual vaccination clinic offering free flu and COVID-19 shots.The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre, in partnership with Island registered nurses and upper-level nursing students, hosted a vaccination clinic of free flu shots and COVID-19 boosters for students, faculty, staff, and community members last week.

The first two clinics were held at the UPEI Student Centre on October 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and October 23 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The final clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).

No appointments were required, and the clinic was open to anyone who wanted to stay up to date on their vaccinations before flu season peaks.

“It’s put on by the UPEI Health Centre, which works with the Student Union to give students and the community a chance to get their vaccinations on campus. It’s a good public health initiative to protect people during flu season,” said Ava Stewart, fourth-year nursing student helping at the clinic.

The clinic is part of a long-standing UPEI initiative to make vaccinations accessible to the campus community. Each year, the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre organizes seasonal clinics to provide flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, free of charge.

This year’s clinic is supported by upper-level nursing students who administer vaccines under the supervision of UPEI faculty and licensed health professionals. For the students, it is a chance to practice clinical skills and contribute directly to community health.

The student volunteers say the clinic received a steady turnout from across campus and members of the community as well.

With colder months ahead, public health officials across the province are encouraging Islanders to get both their flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and avoid strain on local healthcare systems.

“It’s that time of year, respiratory illnesses are really high right now,” said Brooke Smith, fourth-year Kinesiology student. “Most pharmacies are doing the same thing, so it’s nice that UPEI is offering it right here on campus.”

The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre continues to offer other on-campus health services throughout the year, including wellness check-ins, mental health resources, and sexual health clinics.

For anyone who missed the first two dates, the Health Centre encourages them to stop by the final clinic on October 29 at the AVC, free of charge with no appointment required.