A total of 1,622 employees helped prevent the spread of influenza at Virginia Tech by getting vaccinated at one of 14 flu vaccination clinics held across campus.

While the university hosts flu vaccination clinics every fall to help employees stay healthy, this year, receiving a vaccination had an additional benefit: providing meals for the hungry.

Kroger, who administers the flu vaccinations at the university’s clinics, donated one meal to Feeding America for every vaccination given. The initiative was part of Kroger’s new health and wellness campaign.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances of getting the seasonal flu and spreading it to others. In addition to the 14 clinics, employees were able to receive their flu shot at the annual Hokie Wellness Health and Benefits Fair in January. More than 1,000 employees attended the fair, which is held annually as part of the university’s commitment to a healthy community.

This season’s vaccination total reflects an increase of 135 more than were administered at last year’s clinics and benefits fair.

Additionally, 64 employees were vaccinated against shingles, a disease that one in every three people in the United States will develop, according to the CDC. The shingles vaccine was offered at four of the vaccination clinics, as well as the Hokie Wellness Health and Benefits Fair.

The flu vacation clinics and health and benefits fair are organized annually by Hokie Wellness.

Written by Katie Huger, employee communications manager

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