Campus Partners Join Forces to Prevent Influenza, Other Respiratory Illnesses

Western Michigan University’s Sindecuse Health Center staff and Facilities Management Custodial teams are increasing shared efforts at reducing the spread of seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections as Fall Semester begins.

At Sindecuse Health Center, Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations are being administered in the Pharmacy. With Pharmacy staff providing immunizations this season, WMU students, faculty and staff enjoy increased access and convenience:

• Pharmacy vaccinations allow a broader range of insurances to be charged for vaccinations.  
• Offering walk-in visits allow busy students and employees to take advantage of gaps in their day to complete this task.  

Pharmacy staff will post a signboard outside the health center to indicate when walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are always accepted through the health center’s patient portal. Call the health center at (269) 387-3287 for more information about all of the immunizations offered at the health center or to schedule an appointment.

WMU’s custodial staff are making seasonal adjustments to help support a clean and healthy campus environment as respiratory illnesses increase. In addition to their regular daily cleaning routines, custodial teams are placing increased emphasis on cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in classrooms, restrooms, common areas and other high-traffic spaces across campus.

Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and push plates, drinking fountains, restroom fixtures, elevator buttons, handrails and other shared surfaces receive particular attention. Custodial teams also monitor soap, paper products and other restroom supplies to help ensure they remain readily available throughout the day.

When circumstances call for enhanced disinfection measures, Custodial Services has additional tools available, including MicrobeCare antimicrobial treatments and Clorox Total 360 electrostatic disinfection systems. These resources can be deployed in targeted areas when conditions warrant a response beyond normal cleaning and disinfection practices.

With more than 130 custodians caring for approximately four million square feet of campus space, Facilities Management’s Custodial Services team plays an important role in WMU’s broader effort to provide clean, safe and welcoming environments for students, employees and visitors.