51Ʒ��

This year, all members of the 51Ʒ�� community have faced the unprecedented, and all still face many unknowns as colder weather approaches. A vaccine for COVID-19 has yet to be developed, and, with flu season arriving in tandem with the novel coronavirus pandemic, the University is strongly encouraging all members of the 51Ʒ��community to do their part in becoming vaccinated for influenza to protect themselves and each other — and 51Ʒ��is here to help.

For the convenience of its students and professional staff, throughout the month of October, in partnership with Walgreens, 51Ʒ��will be offering flu vaccine clinics on both campuses, open to all students and employees.

The University is offering these clinics, free of charge, starting Monday, Oct. 5, to help prevent the spread of disease and ensure the ability of all community members to safely continue studying, teaching, and working as they move onward into the winter months.

Dates and times for vaccination clinics are as follows:

• Biddeford Campus: Mondays and Tuesdays, Oct. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Campus Center
• Portland Campus: Fridays, Oct. 9, 16, and 30, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Innovation Hall; Friday, Oct. 23, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Innovation Hall

Paul Berkner, D.O., medical director of Student Health Services, says that the safety of its community members has and will always be the University’s number one priority.

“Along with other behaviors, such as coughing into your sleeve and practicing good hand washing etiquette, getting the yearly flu vaccine is one of the easiest and most effective ways of mitigating spread of the influenza virus,” said Berkner. “By receiving a flu vaccine, together, we can protect our campuses and fulfill our mission of improving the health of people and our communities.”