TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — For the first time, fifth-year nursing students were able to hold a Flu Vaccine Clinic.

On Thursday, fifth-year nursing students took to the Troy University Health Center to hold a Flu Vaccine Clinic. The clinic aimed to distribute the flu vaccine to more people and to educate students about the flu and how to prevent it. 

“As collegiate students, they are in small, confined areas, and flu season hits at the peak of exams and the stress of the semester, so their immune systems are already a little bit compromised,” said Rebecca Allen-Jones, Faculty in the Troy University School of Nursing. “Having the flu vaccine on board, even if they do get the flu, it won’t be as bad.” 

FLU COVERAGE: Troy University’s Health Center encourages flu vaccinations

Through the event, nursing students gained experience in multiple ways, including assisting patients with screening paperwork and administering vaccines, which isn’t usually practiced in a hospital setting. 

“Many of us have had in-clinic giving IVs and even SUBQ but we don’t get [much] practice giving vaccines,” said Brooke Moseley, a fifth-year BSN student from Opp, Alabama.

Students also gained experience in executing public health events by planning the clinic… Even reaching out directly to others walking by. 

“Nursing is not just in the hospital like we think,” Allen-Jones said. “Especially in public health, it’s about outreach into the community […] and keeping your community safe in the long run.”

“Hopefully that translates to when they enter practice, they’ll be able to work in their own communities wherever they move to and be able to host public events there.” 

HEARING THINGS: Free screenings aim to protect student hearing

The Troy University School of Nursing plans to have more student-led events throughout the year, including hearing screenings in the spring. 

Students who missed the flu clinic are able to get a flu vaccination at the Campus Health Center from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.