Pirates encouraged to take their shot at first FluFest

Published Sep 24, 2021 by
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Shots waited for an arm at a drive-thru clinic in 2020. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)

Music, giveaways, free food, exclusive merchandise and of course, flu shots, will highlight the first FluFest, a two-day outdoor event at East Carolina University.

“Given the past 18 months that we have had, we could all afford a little fun, and if that can occur while we take care of ourselves and our community, we will take it as a win,” said Jarecia “Jay” Jacobs, health promotion project manager with ECU Student Health Services.

FluFest will be 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. the following days:

  • Sept. 28 on the Health Sciences Student Center west porch (rain location-recreation center courts);
  • Oct. 19 on the Main Campus Student Center lawn (rain location-MCSC Room 249).

ECU and Greenville community members are welcome to attend. Pediatric nurses will give flu shots to children from 2-4 p.m.

Influenza is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Even healthy people can get very ill and spread influenza to others. Flu season varies from year to year, but it can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Generally, the season peaks in January or February.

It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza viruses, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated in early fall before flu season gets underway, officials say.

Putting fun into getting a flu shot is the goal behind FluFest.

“We really wanted to reinforce that festival theme,” Jacobs said. “We are so very excited to be able to offer the flu vaccine to our community.”

Dr. Lanika Wright, director of student health, had the idea to offer an enjoyable time while getting vaccinated, Jacobs said.

Although the focus is flu vaccinations, both flu and COVID-19 (Pfizer) vaccines will be offered, she said.

Vaccines are free with a valid insurance card. ECU faculty, staff and students should bring their ECU 1 Card or another form of identification and Banner ID number. Insurance information will not be able to be looked up on site. The cost of the vaccine is $25 for uninsured people. 

In addition to FluFest, two other flu shot clinics are scheduled on campus and open to the public:

  • Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Ross Hall, School of Dental Medicine, Lecture Hall 2312
  • Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — East Carolina Heart Institute, Conference Room A

Face coverings are required at all indoor clinics.

Pediatric nurses will be at all sites from 2-4 p.m. to give flu shots to children. COVID-19 vaccines will be available at all clinics.

For more information about the flu vaccine and FAQ, visit https://flu-prevention.ecu.edu/.

A flu shot is administered at a 2017 clinic in the Brody School of Medicine.