The arrival of autumn brings more than just the changing of the leaves, brisker weather and pumpkin spice lattes: it also brings along the first signs of the flu.

Flu season is on its way to the University of New Haven, subtly showing signs in students through subdued coughs and stuffy noses. Health Services, however, is already a few steps ahead of the rest, ready to nip the flu in the bud before that tickle in the back of your throat blooms into a full-fledged cough.

Students received an email from Paula Cappuccia, the director of Health Services, Monday, Oct. 7 announcing the return of the Flu Shot Clinics. For ten dollars, students can stop by Health Services during the time frames listed to receive a flu vaccine.

“The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months,” Cappuccia said. “Anyone can get the flu; it is very contagious and spreads by coughing, sneezing and close contact, and can lead to pneumonia.”

Protecting yourself and others from getting or spreading the flu is the largest benefit of the vaccine, according to Cappuccia. “The vaccine strain changes each year, so last year’s vaccine will not protect you this year.”

Some students don’t find the flu vaccine necessary. “I always get sick regardless of whether or not I get the shot,” sophomore Nicolas Weilmann said. “So I find it pointless to spend money on something that won’t even work for me.”

Other students feel the flu shots are advertised well enough, finding themselves forgetting to make an appointment to get a shot. “I don’t get the vaccine because I forget about it. Getting the shot just doesn’t cross my mind,” senior Amanda Gomes said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the flu vaccine is most effective in young adults, and reduces the odds of getting the flu by 70 to 90 percent. This percentage depends on how strong the immune system of the recipient is, as well as how far into flu season the vaccine is administered.

The further into the flu season you go without getting the vaccine, the higher the risk of contracting the flu is. Also, it can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so if you’re exposed to the flu within that two week period, there is still a possibility of sickness—only another reason to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Cappuccia stresses that the vaccine will not serve as a catalyst to getting the flu, and that the only mild drawbacks to the vaccine is the possibility of a slightly sore arm at the site of the injection.

Although the cost of the vaccine at the UNH clinic is ten dollars, some students don’t have any money to spare. In this case, Cappuccia says that students with Private Insurance may be able to get the vaccine cost covered at a local pharmacy or at their Private Doctors office.

Clinic dates are as follows: Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, Oct.14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, Oct.25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Students can make appointments by calling health services at (203) 932-7079, not through email. Clinic dates will be available as long as the vaccine is available.