Flu vaccinations available this week in Commons for $25

The Student Health Center will be offering flu shots from Oct. 26-28 in the Westhampton Hanging Lounge in the Commons.

Sarah Fisher, the nurse supervisor at the health center, said the vaccinations would cost $25. H1N1 shots offered last year were free because the government was providing them, she said.

"We encourage students to put the charge right on their student accounts," she said. "That way they don't have to remember to bring cash or checks with them."

The H1N1 threat heightened awareness of the flu season last year. There is no particular threat this year, but there are reports that H1N1 is still out there, she said.

"This year's shot has an H1N1 component," she said. "There are usually three strains in each shot. To find these, there are about 130 influenza surveillance centers predicting which strains will be most widespread."

While young children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses or asthma are at greater risks from the flu, it is also important to vaccinate college students, she said.

"We think it's important for college students to get the vaccine because of the close quarters of living in a dorm," she said.

The Health Center orders 600 doses of the vaccine and typically vaccinates about 400 students, Fisher said. Last year there was a high number of vaccinations because of the H1N1 threat, she said.

"We hope to vaccinate a lot of students this year," she said. "The more people that get vaccinated, the better it is for everyone." Fisher said that people who were a little sick could usually get the vaccine.

Most college students who are reluctant to get the shot feel so because of rumors that they will get sick from the vaccine. There have been many studies by the Centers for Disease Control that say the risk of getting sick from the flu vaccine is very small, Fisher said.

"The only effect is usually just a sore arm," she said. "The reports of illness are usually coincidental. There are lots of viral illnesses out there.

"We hate for people not to get it because they're worried they'll get sick."

In addition to the 600 doses available at the flu shot clinic in the Commons, the Health Center does take special appointments after the clinic.

"We try to encourage students to get the vaccine at the clinic or one of the places in Richmond offering it," she said. "We just don't like to have well people come in to the health center where there are sick people."

The vaccine is also available at CVS, she said.

Karen Remley, Virginia state health commissioner, said in an open letter to Virginia college students that a Google Flu Locator could be used to find locations offering the vaccine by zip code.

Four hundred students account for roughly a seventh of the student population at Richmond. Many students have never been vaccinated at school. Junior Sarah Loepp said she had never gotten the shot.

"I've never really been afraid of getting the flu," she said.

Sophomore Chandana Chava said she had never been vaccinated because she did not fear getting the flu either.

Remley encouraged students not only to get vaccinated, but to take everyday measures to prevent the spread of flu viruses for those who are not vaccinated.

"Be aware of the symptoms," Fisher said. "We're always happy to talk to people who think they have the flu."

According to the CDC website, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are among the most common flu symptoms.

"Protect the community," Fisher said. "Wash your hands as much as possible, especially after touching your nose, shaking hands or touching common spaces. Hand sanitizer is somewhat effective.

"Cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hand. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, ears and mouth because they are entry points for viruses. Get as much rest as you can and take care of yourself."

Contact reporter Kaileigh Connolly at kaileigh.connolly@richmond.edu