As the University of Otago strives to counter potential coronavirus challenges, this year it is offering to students the free flu vaccinations it usually gives to staff.
The university aimed to keep its staff, students and communities safe and had ‘‘this year extended its funding of flu vaccinations from only staff to include all students’’, a spokeswoman said.
‘‘Given the extraordinary circumstances in the community with Covid-19, the university has agreed to fully fund vaccinations for all students this year as a one-off initiative.’’
Some details still needed to be finalised and ‘‘we will inform students about vaccination clinics once everything is confirmed’’.
Flu vaccinations were provided to all staff annually at no cost.
In Dunedin, clinic dates had already been set for April 3, 7, 21 and 24.
Otago staff in Auckland and Invercargill could receive their vaccination through their GP practice or local pharmacy and would be reimbursed for the cost.
Details were still to be confirmed for staff at the university’s Christchurch and Wellington campuses.