Spring Break
The Daily OrangeHealth Services increases flu vaccine availability
By Lauren Pauer
Posted: 10/4/05, 10:08 PM EST Section: News
October may have rushed in with warm weather, but the month also comes with something far less pleasant -- the beginning of the flu season. Unlike those still wearing tank tops, however, Syracuse University Health Services is prepared for what the cooler days of October may bring.
Health Services has ordered 1,200 to 1,400 doses of the influenza vaccine, and has already received some of those doses, said Dr. James Jacobs, director of Health Services. The center will start vaccinating students, faculty and staff on Oct. 24, the day set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Students considered high risk, such as those with asthma or diabetes, may receive a flu shot before then, Jacobs said.
Very few nasal spray vaccinations, also known as FluMist vaccinations, were ordered because they are more expensive and can not be given to everyone, Jacobs said.
Unlike last year, when a nationwide flu vaccine shortage prevented Health Services from receiving and distributing their normal number of vaccines, Jacobs does not expect to turn away students who wish to receive vaccinations.
Approximately 1,000 students are vaccinated each year, Jacobs said, and a couple hundred faculty and staff members also receive a flu shot from Health Services. This year's increased student enrollment is not likely to significantly alter those figures, he said.
All students are at risk for getting the flu, though.
"Students are at a higher risk than the general population because of the high concentration of people living on college campuses, particularly because of residence halls," Jacobs said.
Despite the risks, not all students plan on getting a vaccine. Charles Isaac said he doesn't think he needs one. Though he's had the flu before, Isaac doesn't see the illness as "that much of an inconvenience."
"In Syracuse, you're going to get sick anyway," said the senior English and textual studies major.
Alrine Williams, on the other hand, does plan to get a flu shot. Williams, a law and business graduate student, has gotten vaccinated each year since she started college as an undergraduate, with the exception of last year.
"It's better than getting sick," she said.
For those who do get the flu this winter, it can be treated by medication if caught early.
"You can treat the fever, the nausea, the body aches," Jacobs said, noting medication to do so is only effective if taken within 48 hours of getting the illness. "If you wait longer there's no real benefit."
Students can also work to prevent the flu, Jacobs added.
"The single most effective thing students can do to prevent getting the flu is wash their hands during the cold and flu season," which runs through March or April, he said.
Students can receive a flu shot, which costs $15 and is added to their bursar accounts, by making an appointment at Health Services, which also plans to set up temporary clinics on campus, including Schine Student Center, later in the month.
Health Services has ordered 1,200 to 1,400 doses of the influenza vaccine, and has already received some of those doses, said Dr. James Jacobs, director of Health Services. The center will start vaccinating students, faculty and staff on Oct. 24, the day set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Students considered high risk, such as those with asthma or diabetes, may receive a flu shot before then, Jacobs said.
Very few nasal spray vaccinations, also known as FluMist vaccinations, were ordered because they are more expensive and can not be given to everyone, Jacobs said.
Unlike last year, when a nationwide flu vaccine shortage prevented Health Services from receiving and distributing their normal number of vaccines, Jacobs does not expect to turn away students who wish to receive vaccinations.
Approximately 1,000 students are vaccinated each year, Jacobs said, and a couple hundred faculty and staff members also receive a flu shot from Health Services. This year's increased student enrollment is not likely to significantly alter those figures, he said.
All students are at risk for getting the flu, though.
"Students are at a higher risk than the general population because of the high concentration of people living on college campuses, particularly because of residence halls," Jacobs said.
Despite the risks, not all students plan on getting a vaccine. Charles Isaac said he doesn't think he needs one. Though he's had the flu before, Isaac doesn't see the illness as "that much of an inconvenience."
"In Syracuse, you're going to get sick anyway," said the senior English and textual studies major.
Alrine Williams, on the other hand, does plan to get a flu shot. Williams, a law and business graduate student, has gotten vaccinated each year since she started college as an undergraduate, with the exception of last year.
"It's better than getting sick," she said.
For those who do get the flu this winter, it can be treated by medication if caught early.
"You can treat the fever, the nausea, the body aches," Jacobs said, noting medication to do so is only effective if taken within 48 hours of getting the illness. "If you wait longer there's no real benefit."
Students can also work to prevent the flu, Jacobs added.
"The single most effective thing students can do to prevent getting the flu is wash their hands during the cold and flu season," which runs through March or April, he said.
Students can receive a flu shot, which costs $15 and is added to their bursar accounts, by making an appointment at Health Services, which also plans to set up temporary clinics on campus, including Schine Student Center, later in the month.
