The budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year has been posted on the Student Finance Committee page linked from the Longwood University Student Government Association website. After over 10 years of funding, the SGA has decided not to provide free flu shots to students in the fall.
This year, almost every organization on Longwood’s campus either doubled or tripled what they have asked for in the past, creating many budget cuts. Total allocations for the school year requested were around $863,000 and an estimated $675,000 was given.
The Peer Health Educators requested $3,500 allotted for flu shots.
The budget, that is given from the SGA covers student activity fees. SGA Treasurer, Jessica Darst, comments on the decision to cut the flu shots.
“The money we give goes toward student activities and getting a flu shot is not necessarily an activity, and that was something we had to take into consideration.”
Approximately 800 students attended the free flu shot clinic last fall.
According to the National College Health Assessment sent out each year, cold, flu and sore throats have been one of the highest-ranking sources of academic impacts toward students for a significant amount of time.
The survey was last given out to Longwood students in the spring of 2012. 18.9 percent of students reported that cold, flu or sore throats have affected their individual academic performance.
Sascha Johnson, Wellness Coordinator for Longwood University, commented on the SGA’s decision to not fund the flu shots.
“Statistics show that cold and flu affects student’s academics negatively at a higher rate than almost anything else. We will see an increase of the flu on campus,” said Johnson. “We already have a tough enough time trying to serve the student population during the cold and flu season, which is why the peer health educators request money through the SGA to give out cold and flu kits.”
This year the flu vaccine was not as effective as it has been in the past, because one of the strands was not included within the vaccine. Although there were a numerous amount of cases that were reported from those vaccinated, the cases were also reported as being significantly milder forms of the flu.
Most of the students who were seen in the Health and Wellness center this past semester, that had the flu, were not vaccinated.
Darst comments on her perspective.
“I think it’s a concern for the university, not necessarily the SGA,” she said. “I had to look at it from the bylaws perspective, and I think if the university takes the Norovirus that happened this past semester seriously, then they’ll find a way to fund the flu shots for everyone.”
Johnson stated, “The flu vaccine has to be ordered by the end of this month. We can’t wait until September to say lets get some flu vaccines, because it won’t be available for us to get.”
Although there are other outlets within the Farmville community made available for students to get their flu shots, out of the estimated 800 students that participated in the free flu clinic, there were some who did not have health insurance at all.
At a local pharmacy in Farmville, the average cost for a flu shot is $25.
When asked if it will be a concern for the Farmville community on the recent funding changes, Johnson stated, “Viruses don’t discriminate so that shopping cart at Walmart, the grocery store at Food lion, the door handles at CVS, all of that. The viruses will be there and the more people that aren’t vaccinated, the more we know the flu will be on campus and it will be in the community and it’s dangerous. People die from the flu.”
As for the upcoming semester, it is highly encouraged for students to get vaccinated before coming back to campus.
Symptoms of the flu include a high temperature of 100 or more, muscle aches, headache, dry cough, weakness, stuffy nose and occasionally, a sore throat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested to make an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center on campus, or with your local or primary care doctor.
The budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year is also posted on the Student Finance Committee page.
