Massey decides new flu shot funding plan
Massey will make flu shots free for students enrolled in campus medical clinics. This decision comes after consideration from Massey that explored several options, such as providing free shots to all students or discounting the vaccine for all students.
This means that other students will likely still be charged for their flu shots, but it is unclear yet whether that will be at full price or a reduced rate. The current price for flu vaccines from the on-campus medical centres are $29.
Benjamin Austin, ASA President, says that although making the vaccine free to all students who wanted it was ASA’s preferred option, they will support Massey’s choice to go with this latest decision. “It’s unfortunate that not all students will be given the opportunity to get the flu vaccine [for free], but at least a large amount of students will get the free jab,” he says.
Tessa Guest, MAWSA President, says of the decision: “It’s free for some students, which is great. But by making it free for people enrolled in medical clinics, it’s more expensive for those who aren’t.” She admits that $29 is “a lot” on a student budget, saying, “It’s a tough call between discounting it for everyone, or completely subsidising it for those who already use the services and requiring the full price for those who don’t.” Tessa ultimately summarises “ideally it would be free for all students, but this is a good start”.
The overall cost to the University for these free shots is expected to be about $133,255, and it is hoped to vaccinate an extra 4,595 students enrolled in campus clinics. The date for the rollout of this new funding has not yet been decided, so students planning their shots should hold fire if they want to get them free.
ASA and Massey wish for students to know that they cannot have this vaccine within two weeks of a Covid-19 vaccine, or within four weeks of the measles vaccine.
Previously, Massey only offered free influenza vaccinations to staff. The Ministry of Health also gives Massey extra funds which also makes flu shots free for high risk enrolled patients such as those with diabetes, over 65 years old or pregnant.