It’s September, and that means flu season is around the corner.
University Health Services is holding free flu shot clinics throughout the semester, and the first clinic took place Thursday on Bascom Hill. UHS encourages all students to get their flu shots, and the cost of the shots is covered by student fees.
“When students are vaccinated against the flu, it creates a personal protection to that virus and helps to establish herd immunity that can protect fellow students,” William Kinsey, UHS’ medical director, said in a release.
Flu season is roughly between October and May. UHS suggests students get vaccinated early, as the shot takes about two weeks to provide protection.
UHS provides walk-in flu shots at their office on East Campus Mall between Oct. 2 and Nov. 15. Students can also make appointments or attend one of the upcoming free clinics:
- Sept. 29, Gordon Dining, 12 to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 16, College Library, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Oct. 27, Health Sciences Learning Center, 12 to 3 p.m.
- Nov. 16, Union South, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It takes fewer than 10 minutes to complete the vaccination process, UHS officials said. They stressed that getting a flu shot is not just about keeping oneself safe — it’s about the health of the whole campus.
“Viruses spread slower in highly immunized populations,” Kinsey said. “Getting a flu shot helps keep the student population healthier and helps to reduce the spread of the flu.”
