Christine Maddox
Staff Writer
Worried about contracting the flu this season?
Then walk to University Student Health Services for a free flu shot.
On the Monroe Park Campus the vaccine is available through the immunization clinic at Student Health Services from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Students can be seen without appointments on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jeannine Uzel, immunization coordinator for Student Health Services, said this year no shortage of flu vaccines exists, however, some shipping issues have occurred that caused the clinic to receive less than ordered.
“We are getting our supply in little by little,” Uzel said. “There’s not particularly a flu shot vaccine shortage. It’s just problems with the distribution.”
Before visiting the clinic, students should call to make sure enough vaccine is available and someone can administer the shot.
Jeff Watanabe, an engineering major, received his shot at a local hospital.
“I got a flu shot and would recommend it to others because it is better (to be) safe than sorry,” Watanabe said.
Other students, however, decided they didn’t need a flu shot at all.
“I’m not getting a flu shot, and I never have because I never get the flu,” said Jesse Vasquez, a political-science major.
Flu Shots
Free flu shots until supply lasts
Immunization clinic times
Mondays and Wednesdays
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Uzel said the flu shot protects people only from the flu strains included in the vaccine and does not protect them from other viruses or the common cold.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for students who have a job at day-care facilities, schools or serve in volunteer positions where they become exposed with the very young or very old people.
Because students who become ill with the flu may miss several classes, they should be vaccinated to prevent contracting the virus. Living in congregated situations, such as Johnson Hall or other dormitories, can encourage the spread of influenza.
Uzel said it is important for students, staff and faculty to get vaccinated annually because the strains of the flu virus change yearly, and peoples’ immunity wanes with time.
The vaccine will be offered at health services until the supply lasts.