Comparative Analyses of Flu Prevention at New England State Universities: Recommendations for Change

In spite of efforts promoting seasonal influenza (flu) immunization on U.S. college campuses, many schools confront significant outbreaks each winter. The ACHA National College Health Assessment found only 40% of college-age students reported receiving flu vaccinations in the last 12 months. This was the second lowest prevalence of the vaccinations reported. Yet, 18% defined the flu as affecting their individual academic performance. This was the 4^th highest percentage among the 31 listed factors impacting their academics.

In this 2014 study, existing policies and practices in the six New England state universities were examined to assess each institution’s attempts to prevent and control campus flu outbreaks. The investigation compared and contrasted the effectiveness of these efforts to define a set of best practices for flu prevention in this relatively high risk, high flu-prevalent population. 

Data were collected through surveys and interviews of the six University Student Health Services. Researchers compared and examined infection rates, specific clinical preventive measures, and other prevention procedures used by each. They identified which practices reflected voluntary practices versus those that were mandated in past efforts to contain flu transmission following known outbreaks on each campus.

The authors’ analyses provided the basis for proposing a series of recommended best practices to address this ongoing occurrence on campuses during flu seasons, and to justify imposing more mandatory prevention efforts including required immunizations, social distancing, cancellations of gatherings (including classes and other scheduled events), and segregating infectious versus non-infected students in separate facilities.