Health Center To Vaccinate Students For Flu
With flu season underway, the Student Health Center will
be offering free influenza vaccinations to students on Tuesday
and Wednesday (Nov. 1-2).
SHC staff will be located in the Lowman Student Center Atrium
from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a limited number of vaccines
available to students on a first come, first- serve basis.
Faculty and staff vaccinations will be given at a later date.
The SHC asks students to print the influenza vaccination
consent form off their Web site, at http://www.shsu.edu/~uhc_www/documents/Flu_Informed_Consent.pdf,
and bring the completed form with them in order to expedite
the vaccination process. Students will also be required to
show their SHSU identification card.
“The SHC administers the influenza vaccine to students
every year to reduce their risks of getting the flu and reduce
missed class days due to illness,” said Keith Lott,
health center director.
Viruses in the “flu shot” are inactivated, or
killed, and contain three influenza viruses: one A (H3N2)
virus, one A (H1N1) virus and one B virus. Influenza viruses
change often; therefore, the influenza vaccines are updated
every year.
Viruses in the inactivated influenza have been killed, so
you cannot get the flu from the vaccine. Protection against
the flu develops at least two weeks after the getting the
shot. Until then, you are still at risk for the flu.
“It is especially important for students with existing
medical conditions to receive the vaccination, said Tom Hill,
SHC medical doctor. “The vaccine aims to decrease the
severity and spread of the illness, to keep these students
out of the hospital.”
In the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized
from flu complications and roughly 36,000 people die from
the flu every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
After Nov. 2 and while supplies last, vaccinations will be
given to students at the SHC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students
should call ahead to check for availability.
For more information, call the SHC at 936.294.1805 or visit
online at www.shsu.edu/healthcenter.
For more information about the flu, visit CDC Web site at
www.cdc.gov/flu/.
—END—
Reported by Alisha Moore
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer
Gauntt
Oct. 27, 2005
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