Flu season is here, and the ACU Medical Clinic is working hard to vaccinate students, faculty and staff. Each year students are encouraged to get the shot; especially those living in residence halls on campus, as diseases spread quickly in close quarters. A special incentive will be offered this year.
“Residence Life and the Medical Clinic are partnering to offer $500 towards a residence hall party for the residence hall that has the highest percentage of students vaccinated with the current flu shot,” says Dr. Ellen Little, physician and director of the Medical Clinic.
The shots are available in the clinic, located on the ground floor of McKinzie Hall and in the Campus Center after Chapel on Thursday, Sept. 23.
“The flu shot is $15 and can be charged to the student’s Banner account,” said Dr. Little. “If the student carries health insurance, a receipt can be obtained from the medical clinic and filed for reimbursement.”
Also, students who get the shot off-campus can bring a record of their vaccination, and it will be entered into the computer for the competition. The last day of the competition is Nov. 19th.
Even with incentives, not everyone is interested in getting the shot. Freshman Dylan Brugman said he does not plan to get the flu shot.
“I haven’t had the flu in like 10 years. I’d rather risk getting the flu maybe once every few years than get the shot and be dependent on it. My family has just never done it,” Brugman said.
Freshman Jaymee Myller does plan to get the shot.
“I haven’t gotten my flu shot yet, but I’m definitely planning on getting one. Living in a dorm, where sickness can spread so quickly, it’s better to safe than sorry,” Myller said.
Julie Danley, R.N. at the Medical Clinic said, “Sometimes people are wary of getting the shot because they believe they can actually become infected. This is not true. Within about 24 hours, any immune system response will be gone. Any reaction you may feel is your body building resistance.”
The vaccination will prevent three of the most common strains of the flu virus, including the swine flu. Danley said there has not been a significant number of swine flu cases yet this year on the ACU campus, but getting the shot is still recommended. It will protect recipients for a full year.
Other preventive measures Danley recommends are washing your hands regularly and coughing or sneezing into the crook or your arm instead of your hands.
