Free flu shots offered to students, faculty and staff starting Oct. 14

Free flu shots offered to students, faculty and staff starting Oct. 14October 14, 2008SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

In preparation for the 2008-09 flu season, Syracuse University Health Services will provide free flu vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff beginning today, October 14. Health Services and its partners are offering seasonal influenza vaccination (the “flu shot”), free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is needed. A valid SU student or employee I.D. must be shown in order to receive a shot, and there are separate sessions scheduled for students and employees.

The clinics are scheduled as follows:

• For students only: Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 228B of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

• For faculty and staff only: Oct. 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., during “Harvest for Health,” in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium.

• For students, faculty, and staff: Oct. 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in Room 228B of the Schine Student Center.

For students, faculty, staff, or eligible retirees who cannot attend one of the scheduled clinics, Health Services will also administer flu shots at 111 Waverly Ave. during two non-appointment walk-in sessions, on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. each day. For more information on the clinics and walk-in sessions, call 443-9019.

Based on past demand, Health Services has secured 1,500 doses of vaccine and can get more if necessary. It is anticipated that this supply will be sufficient to meet the University community’s needs throughout the flu season. The Worklife Wellness Committee, hosted by the Office of Human Resources, is co-sponsoring the inoculation of faculty, staff, and retirees who are currently participating in SU’s medical benefit plans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu strains that cause the most illness during the flu season. The vaccine can protect recipients from getting sick, or make illness milder if it does occur.

There are other every-day actions that can limit the spread of flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• If you get the flu, avoid products containing aspirin and consult with your health care provider. Some antiviral medications are effective against influenza but must be started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms for maximum benefit.

Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.