Oakland University earns national recognition for flu vaccination efforts

Oakland University has been recognized nationally for its commitment to student health, earning top honors in the 2025-26 Alana Yaksich National College and University Flu Vaccination Challenge.

Oakland University was named the national winner in the Medium School Division, distinguishing itself among colleges and universities across the country for administering the highest number of flu vaccines in its category. The recognition highlights the efforts of the Graham Health Center to promote influenza prevention and make vaccinations accessible to students.

"We're proud of the work our team has done to protect the health of our campus community," said Ann Rayford, MSN, ANP-BC, CHES, director and nurse practitioner at the Graham Health Center. "This recognition reflects not only our staff's dedication, but also our students' willingness to take an active role in preventing the spread of illness."

Participation in the National College and University Flu Vaccination Challenge also allowed Oakland University to apply for grant funding. As a result, the university received a $5,000 grant this year from Alana's Foundation to help cover the cost of flu vaccines for students who are uninsured or under-insured, further expanding access to preventative care on campus.

Oakland University's flu vaccination efforts support the goals of the Healthy Campus Initiative, a university-wide commitment to promoting well-being through education, prevention and access to health resources. The initiative focuses on creating a campus culture that encourages healthy choices and supports students' physical, mental and emotional health.

By offering scheduled flu clinics in various buildings on campus, as well as walk-in and appointment-based services at the Graham Health Center, Oakland University worked to remove barriers to vaccination and increase participation across campus. Compared to previous years, the university administered an increased number of flu vaccines, contributing to its national recognition.

The Alana Yaksich National College and University Flu Vaccination Challenge, sponsored by Alana's Foundation, recognizes institutions that demonstrate leadership in protecting students and surrounding communities from influenza. Originally launched in Michigan in 2014, the challenge has since expanded nationally to raise awareness about the importance of annual flu vaccinations.

Alana's Foundation was established in memory of Alana Yaksich, who died at age 5 from flu-related complications. The foundation's mission is to prevent deaths caused by influenza, a vaccine-preventable disease, and to educate people about the seriousness of the flu.

"College campuses play a critical role in increasing vaccination rates among a highly vulnerable population," said JoAnna Yaksich of Alana's Foundation. "Oakland University's commitment to protecting students and the broader community is exactly what this challenge was created to recognize."

As part of the recognition, Oakland University will display the Alana Yaksich Memorial Trophy at the Graham Health Center for the coming year.

Flu shots remain available at the Graham Health Center on a walk-in basis or by appointment.

For more information about flu vaccinations, health services or the Healthy Campus Initiative, visit www.oakland.edu/healthycampus or the Graham Health Center webpage at www.oakland.edu/ghc.

To learn more about Alana's Foundation, visit www.alanasfoundation.org.