Flu vaccines are available on campus at the Health and Wellness Center and at the Burke Center Room 110 for the 2018-2019 flu season. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a “contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. No appointment is required to get the vaccination between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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To help inform the Behrend community about the flu vaccine and other vaccinations, including HPV, MMR, and Meningitis, Beth Potter, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, and her some of her students set up stations outside of Bruno’s and in Roche Hall in the science complex. The station outside of Bruno’s consisted of information about vaccines, hand washing stations, hand sanitizer stations, and free snacks for those who stopped to learn more. In addition to spreading information, Potter and her students also collected information.

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“We did a survey...and most students were telling us no, they weren’t getting the flu vaccine,” explained Potter.

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For the second station in Roche Hall, Potter decided to concentrate more on education about specifically the flu vaccination. Those walking by were able to play trivia games and could win a variety of prizes.

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Hunter Goodrich, a junior biology student in Potter’s class, explained that the campaign helps to “better inform individuals about their commitment to their bodies and to actually understand that the flu vaccine is there to help them instead of hurt them.”

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The Health and Wellness Center on campus is also working to raise awareness about the flu vaccination. Health and Wellness and Potter’s research group are handing out vouchers for a raffle that students can enter when they get their vaccination. The prizes include a $20 first prize and a $15 second prize. The winners will be drawn on November 1, which is the recommended time that everyone has their vaccination by. On Halloween, the Health and Wellness Center will be running a “Flu Boo Clinic” in order to vaccinate as many people as possible.

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The vaccination is not only important for keeping the recipient of the vaccine safe. It is also critical in reducing the spread of the flu, especially to those who are not able to get the vaccination.

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“If you get vaccinated you protect those who can’t,” explained Potter. Newborns, elderly people, and people with compromised immune systems are not able to get the vaccine.

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“College kids think they’re invincible...There are so many more affect[ed] than just yourself,” said Ellen Jaskiewicz, a senior biology student who is also one of Potter’s students. “I wish that every lab incorporated some sort of campaign like this to spread awareness of more science related stuff.”

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Common symptoms of the flu include a fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and chest discomfort. Sometimes flu symptoms are confused with common cold symptoms, and it is important to be able to tell the difference.

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According to Health and Wellness, the best way to prevent the flu is to wash hands often with soap and water and to get the vaccinated. If the flu virus is contracted, antiviral medications can be obtained from a doctor. Complications associated with the flu include sinus infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia. People who already have vulnerable immune systems are more likely to have complications caused by the flu.

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For more information about the flu vaccination or health in general, visit the Health and Wellness Center on campus (located to between the Reed Union Building and Glenhill Farmhouse) or the Burke Center Room 110.