Free Vaccines at Hood College

By Christopher Bower//

Hood College is offering flu vaccines on campus for students, faculty and staff.

The first of three clinics was held on Sept. 17. Two more will be held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 8.

The college requires students to bring proof of insurance to receive the flu vaccine. The shots are usually free with insuance.

The clinics are being provided by Giant Pharmacy and Frederick Health.

In the past, providers were able to offer COVID-19 vaccines to everyone for free. Now,  COVID vaccines are available only to individuals over the age of 65 or to those with a pre-existing health condition.  

The reason for the change was due to policy changes from the Centers for Disease Control. According to Amanda Dymek, the director of Wellness at Hood College, this change was most likely to prioritize groups that are more at risk.

The college estimates that 200-300 people participate in flu vaccinations, mostly faculty and staff who like the convenience of getting a vaccine at their workplace.  

Vaccine hesitancy has increased due to a number of reasons, including concerns with vaccine safety and necessity. Students might not feel they need the vaccines.

 “I think we see from here that students are young and are at low risk for developing severe illness, and so ‘Why would I need to get a flu vaccine if I’m not going to get terribly sick and be hospitalized? I’ll be down for a couple days and then I’ll be fine,” Dymek said.

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