With flu season approaching, the Office of Health Services will offer free flu shots with the appropriate insurance.

The office is doing its part to make sure students and staff are prepared by encouraging preventative measures to protect the campus community. 

This year, the flu shot will target three viruses: an H1N1-like virus, H3N2-like virus, and a Victoria lineage-like virus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to the differences in the virus from year to year, the CDC strongly suggests that people get a flu shot every year for continuous protection. 

Paula Cappuccia, university health services director, said, “The people who get the vaccine are less likely to get the flu and pass it on.” According to Cappuccia, “The flu is airborne, so if you sneeze or if you cough in your hand and go to shake someone else’s hand – well, you’ve just given them the flu.”

The flu shot was developed as the best form of protection against the virus. The CDC reports that 76 percent of people vaccinated in 2017 did not catch the flu. But the vaccine does not guarantee complete immunity to the flu. 

“Sometimes [the scientists developing the vaccine] do a very good job and get it right on the head,” said Cappuccia. “Other times, the vaccine doesn’t protect you from all of the viruses. But, getting the shot will still protect you against some of them or at least lessen the effects.”  

According to MSN, flu season generally starts in October and peaks in February.

“The recommendation from the CDC is to start getting vaccines in September – it’s not too early – but traditionally, people get it anywhere from October to March.” Cappuccia said. 

Officially, the university’s walk-in clinics begin in October and continue through the end of the semester. Cappuccia will send emails to remind students. The flu shot takes approximately two weeks to take effect.

All flu shots administered at Health Services will be administered in collaboration with Rite Aid Pharmacy.

Walk-In Clinic Dates and Times:

October 18 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

October 25 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

October 29 – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

November 4 – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

November 15 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

November 22 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

December 6 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

December 13 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.