In the midst of COVID-19 FAMU has launched a “Call the Shots” campaign to promote equal access to the flu vaccination during this year’s flu season.
FAMU President Larry Robinson received his flu shot on campus in support of the campaign. “Given the threat posed by the global pandemic, everyone should take advantage of flu shots,” Robinson said in a release.
Robinson also explained how this opportunity offers protection to individuals as well as their families and communities.
While the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu vaccination, some students believe otherwise.
“Why would I get the flu shot to not get sick, when all it’s going to do is get me sick,” said Daizah Hargrove, a senior socialwork student who is completely against the idea. Hargrove mentioned that she never had the flu and confirmed she will never get the flu shot.
“It’s not important to get it ever and I would never get it. The government just wants to inject us with COVID and it’ll be another version of the Tuskegee experiment,” Hargrove said. She said there are natural remedies to get rid of the flu and encourages others to research what works best for them.
While many students like Hargrove may have never gotten the flu shot, some have and are not fully against receiving the vaccination.
“The last time I received a flu shot was when I needed it to fly to and from Japan so I’d be open to getting it on campus,” said Dazlyn Brown, a senior journalism major. Brown just recently recovered from COVID and described the experience as “excruciatingly unforgettable.”
“I wouldn’t go out of my way to get the flu shot especially after just being sick with COVID but I wouldn’t discourage others from getting it either,” Brown said.
As stated on its website the CDC says: “Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.”
The CDC also mentions that there’s no evidence the flu will increase your chances of contracting COVID. but the flu vaccine is still recommended just in case.
The decision to get the vaccination is personal and will only be suggested by Call the Shots, not forced. Be sure to read all the paperwork if provided and ask questions before receiving the shot.