This fall, University Health Services (UHS), in partnership with VaxPro, administered 19, 207 flu shots to students and employees, a four percent increase in flu shot immunizations from 2020.

“I’m very proud that so many students and employees received their annual flu shot in an effort to help keep our campus community healthy,” says Dr. Aruna Josyula, UHS director of Medical Services. “Now, more than ever, vaccines are an important tool for us to help mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.”

UHS hosted more than 20 vaccine clinics from September to December in locations across campus.

The Alana’s Foundation was founded in 2009 in memory of Alana Yaksich, who died of influenza in 2003 at the age of 5. Alana’s Foundation aims to prevent deaths caused by influenza.

“The Alana Yaksich National College/University Flu Vaccination Challenge is an important tool to help raise flu vaccination rates among the 18 to 25-year-old population, who typically have one of the lowest vaccination rates,” says Zachary Yaksich, Alana’s father.  “Consistent participation from national universities, like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is critical for the success of the competition as well as increasing awareness and immunization rates among the vulnerable college population.”

We hope you enjoyed your winter break. University Health Services (UHS) is here to support your health and well-being. Here are a few reminders to help get your semester off to a healthy start.

 Cold and flu season
We encourage every student to take preventive measures to stay healthy. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. To schedule an appointment, call UHS or log in to MyUHS.

 Be aware of adenoviruses. Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that cause cold and flu-like symptoms including sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, fever, and/or pink eye. Adenoviruses usually spread through close personal contact such as sharing cups, eating utensils, lip balm, or vaping devices, or touching or shaking hands.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from an adenovirus infection. If you are immunocompromised and develop a fever greater than 100 degrees F, seek care within 48 hours.

Protect yourself and others from an adenovirus infection:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Don’t share cups, utensils, chapstick, or vaping devices
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when sick
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into your elbow

 Massage moves and acupuncture update
Starting January 21, massage therapy services will move to Rec Well. All massage appointments are 60 minutes and take place at the Natatorium. Massage therapy will have a permanent home in the Nicholas Recreation Center when it opens later in 2020. Also new this semester, UHS will no longer offer acupuncture services. This service may be available to students in the future through RecWell. We’ll keep you posted.

New Suicide Prevention Training Program for students
Students who struggle with mental health are most likely to talk with a friend before talking to anyone else, including a mental health professional. A new, interactive 90-minute, online suicide prevention training program, available in Canvas, prepares students to support their peers’ mental health and intervene to prevent suicide.

Updated UHS website
We’ve retooled our website to make it easier for you to find the services and support that you need. Take a look and let us know your thoughts!

Required programs for incoming students
UW-Madison requires incoming first-year and transfer students to complete three programs: AlcoholEdu, U Got This! and GetWIse during your first semester on campus. Check your wisc.edu email for links to complete the programs before the deadlines.

Be a caring community member
Your role as a UW-Madison community member is important. If a fellow student needs help, we encourage you to assist them and stay until help arrives. Under UW-Madison’s Responsible Action Guidelines, there will be no disciplinary action against students who were drinking underage and helping another student by calling 9-1-1, getting a House Fellow, or flagging down a UW-Madison or Madison Police Officer.

 Mental Health Services evening hours continue in spring semester
Mental Health Services will continue to be open until 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the semester (January 21-May 5). The first step to all Mental Health Services is to schedule an Access Appointment by calling 608.265.5600 (option 2) or logging on to MyUHS for 24/7 web appointment booking. An Access Appointment is typically done over the phone but you can request an in-person appointment. During the Access Appointment, you will have a discussion with an Access Specialist who will listen to concerns, ask questions about your symptoms, experiences, and resources, and connect you to the services you need. This appointment is typically 15 to 20 minutes. You can request mental health providers with specific identities, backgrounds, or training during the Access Appointment.

Best wishes for a successful semester, we’re here if you need us.

 Jake Baggott, MLS, FACHA, 1SG (Ret.)
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Executive Director of University Health Services
He/Him/His