Ten TCU nursing students have been educating seniors in this area about getting the flu vaccination. The students talked with residents, distributed 5,000 fliers, knocked on 1,500 doors in low income neighborhoods, sent letters to 150 churches and arranged a flu shot clinic Nov. 14 at the Salvation Army’s Catherine Booth Friendship House, says Pat Bradley, associate nursing professor. The center offered vaccinations the following week.

"Having the lowest flu vaccination rate is dangerous," said Bradley, who teaches community health nursing. "Flu related complications like pneumonia and even death are risks among seniors."

“Their responses have been varied,” says Catherine Neale, a senior nursing student. “Some believe they should get the shots. Some don’t believe in doctors. There are a lot of misconceptions, and we educated them on why they should get a flu vaccine."

Almost half of the seniors in Tarrant County have received a flu vaccine. “Everyone we can reach is important,” says Angelica Cabrera, a senior nursing student. “Even if they’ve been immunized, they can tell their friends.”

The students also spoke at food pantries, community centers, churches and at a grandparent fair.

Bradley, who is especially impressed with her students, said the work is certainly within the scope of the mission of TCU to provide community service.

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