On Tuesday, November 18, the Kean University Wellness Center continued its commitment to student health and accessibility by hosting its second flu clinic of the semester, offering free and insurance‑covered flu shots to students, faculty, and staff in the Miron Student Center Greek Lounge.
From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, students were able to receive flu vaccines completely free of charge. The event reflected the Wellness Center’s broader mission of supporting students’ mind, body, and overall well‑being so they can focus on academic success.
Simeon Beyon, a Freshman majoring in Computational Science and Engineering from Orange, NJ, highlighted his positive experience.
“I thought it was going to be painful,” he admitted. “But it was actually not painful at all, I barely felt anything. And the doctor who administered it was actually pretty kind.”
The Center provides medical care, counseling services, and accessibility accommodations, ensuring students can receive support without leaving campus. With students living, studying, and commuting in close proximity, they also provided three free clinics throughout the semester to help combat the flu.
Chimaobi Odumuko, Executive Director of the Wellness Center, explained how the purpose of the Center extends far beyond treating illnesses.
“Our goal is basically to make sure that when you’re here, you don’t have to worry about everything else,” he emphasized.
Odumuko noted how flu prevention is essential, especially in the winter months. “When you’re close like that, you tend to spread germs and get sick,” he said. “If you get the flu, you could be out for about eight days... [that] can dramatically affect your grade.”
The clinic partnered with Walgreens Pharmacy and the New Jersey Department of Health, providing vaccines to both insured and uninsured students. The Wellness Center brought the service directly to campus so that students who may delay vaccination due to cost or inconvenience now have better access to getting it.
Many students at the event said they received their flu shot simply because the clinic was right there when they needed it.
Brianna Grossman, a Junior majoring in Speech Language Hearing Science from Edison, NJ, admitted that she might not have gotten vaccinated otherwise.
“It’s really convenient... I’m really glad I just happened to be in MSC when they were doing it,” she said. “I feel like it's too much of a hassle to move across the street to CVS... not a lot of people have time for that.”
Beyon appreciated that the clinic made vaccination possible for students who might not be able to pay elsewhere. That way, they can be provided with necessary health services while still keeping up with expenses.
Similarly, Anastasia Rappaport, a Junior majoring in Elementary Education from Woodbridge, NJ, saw the event as valuable for those who might be on a tight budget. “Students might not have these resources. So to have that on campus, it’s easy access.”
The Wellness Center is made up of Student Health Services, the Kean Counseling Center, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Office of Accessibility Services, and Cougar Pantry to help get students the resources they need.
According to Patricia Ponte, the Director of Student Health Services, the Center’s holistic approach to student healthcare allows students to be more proactive in looking after themselves. “It’s not about just treating students when they have a medical issue,” she stressed. “It’s also about prevention and education.”
She highlighted how collaboration strengthens the Center’s reach. “It really allows us to expand services within the Kean community, as well as educate students on what resources are outside of Kean University,” she explained.
Other partnerships and events in the semester included:
Free HIV testing with Iris House on December 1 (World AIDS Day)
‘Balanced Bites’ nutrition workshop on December 3 in Cougar’s Den
Sexual health tabling event in the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons
Wellness Wednesday programs on topics like cold and flu prevention
Through programs, clinics, and more, the Wellness Center provides Kean students with the necessary resources to help them succeed.
