Ohio University and the Belmont County Health Department are coming together in the upcoming weeks to help not only vaccinate against COVID-19, but the seasonal flu, as well.

As COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue throughout the country and here in the Ohio Valley, this time of year brings a different element. That's flu season. That's why the Belmont County Health Department and Ohio University Eastern came together to protect against COVID-19 and the common flu.

“With the flu season, we don't want what the media are calling a 'twindemic,’” said County Deputy Health Commissioner Rob Sproul said. “We don't want a flu pandemic and regular pandemic with COVID at the same time.”

Coronavirus variants, flu season, and breast cancer awareness are all things October 2021 has brought to the Belmont County Health Department. Although, the partnership between the department and Ohio University Eastern is to vaccinate not just the students, but the public, as well.

“Some of the vaccines over time, if they're immuno-compromised, are going to wane the protection,” Sproul said. “So, this is an opportunity to get back up and keep them protected."

Ohio University's Eastern campus is requiring all in-person learning students be fully vaccinated by Nov. 15. This means that if you're not vaccinated by that date, you will not be eligible to register for the Spring 2022 semester.

“We wanted to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated,” Dean of Students David Rohall said. “As a result, to make sure that happens, they were kind enough to open up a line specifically for our students. They have no wait and can come right in and get vaccinated anytime they want."

While those attending courses may have been skeptical before, the mandate has had some change their original thoughts.

“I know, personally, some of my friends didn't want to get it,” freshman Brenen Craig said. “But then after seeing me get it and other people around them, they said 'OK, might as well.’ So, it started off as a hot. Bad topic and then eventually turned into something good."

The Department of Health and Ohio Eastern have a common goal - keep students in the classroom.

“Last year, there was a lot of issues with remote learning, etc.,” Sproul said. “We want them to stay in school and we want to help them make that happen."

“Ohio University made a good choice in what they're doing,” Craig said. “I feel safe here. And a lot of students in the lounge feel afraid of not wearing a mask."

The upcoming clinic dates are Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Nov. 10 at the gymnasium.