Using a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) to Provide Influenza Vaccines for College Students

Background and Issues: Could providing mobile vaccination clinics increase the number of college students receiving vaccination against influenza, HPV, and other communicable diseases? According to the American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), 39.9% of college students reported receiving vaccination against influenza in the last 12 months (shot or nasal mist). The CDC recommends the seasonal influenza vaccine for “everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu”. According to the CDC, in a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu. “Flu-related deaths range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average 23,600).” Description: During the 2010 – 2011 flu season, a Mobile Health Unit (MHU), as part of a national demonstration project, provided an innovative example of delivering influenza vaccinations to college students. Mobile Flu-Shot Clinics of 3-hour durations were stationed in four different residence hall locations. Two B.S.N. students completed a supervised 60-hour community clinical internship on The Mobile Health Unit. In 12 hours, 431 students were vaccinated against influenza. Lessons Learned: Collaboration with the Department of Nursing, Student Health Services, and Student Affairs were important components of our success. The clinics were successfully conducted with minimal cost and minimal use of clinical staff from the university health service. Recommendation: According to the Department of Education there are more than 18 million college students in the United States. Could a mobile health unit be a critical link in delivering health care for our Nation's college students?