The seasonal flu will affect about eight percent of the population between the ages of 18 and 64. A method to reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu is by receiving a flu vaccine. The seasonal flu shot protects against the three or four influenza viruses that are predicted to be the most common during the season.

 The Counseling & Wellness Center (CWC) will be hosting a flu vaccine clinic in Hamilton “Ham” Center on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. All vaccines will be given through injections. Nasal spray vaccines will not be offered. Health Education Coordinator Robyn Manning-Samuels recommends students bring their student ID cards, as they may be asked to sign in with those. 

“The clinic will have screens this year so that the vaccines can be administered privately so other people don’t have to see it,” Manning-Samuels said. 

The vaccines will also be free to all students. 

“You can just show up, we’re not running insurance or anything,” Manning-Samuels said.  

Although choosing to receive a flu shot is voluntary, receiving one can benefit those who are not able to get a flu shot due to an egg allergy or other reasons. 

“The more people who are vaccinated against this disease, the more likely it is that people who can’t get the vaccine are protected,” Manning-Samuels said. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a page on their website solely about the flu vaccine, so students can refer to that regarding any health concerns.