Flu season is just around the corner, and the flu shots will soon be in stock at the Student Health and Counseling Center.
Every year, the influenza vaccination is in short supply, but the health center believes its supply will be adequate for this flu season, stretching from November through March.
“We usually give out 300 doses, but can get more if needed,” said Debbie Scheff, R.N., director of the center.
Scheff explained that people at high risk should get the vaccine. She identified high risk as the elderly and any person with immuno-suppresant diseases, asthma or diabetes.
“Anyone in the high risk group should definitely get a vaccine,” advised Scheff.
She explained that students and others living in communal living spaces should consider getting the vaccine.
Unlike past years, this year’s influenza vaccine will work against both Type A and Type B strands of the flu by helping the body create an immunity to those types.
Last year, only Type A vaccinations were available. Type C, a more sporadic strain of the virus, has no vaccine.
Within these types of influenza, sub-types often result, requiring an adjustment to the vaccine nearly every year.
According to St. Louis Health Department documentation, influenza vaccines may provide 70 to 80 percent protection against infection in healthy young adults when the vaccine antigen closely matches the circulating strains.
The vaccines will begin being distributed at the end of November until the end of December.
Scheff encourages anyone who will be seeking a vaccination to contact the Student Health and Counseling Center late next week to inform them and set up an appointment.
The mode of transmission for influenza is airborne, particularly in crowded populations in enclosed spaces.
Transmission can also occur through direct contact.
Following a short incubation period of one to three days, symptoms begin to appear, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle ache and extreme fatigue.
Scheff adds that if students begin to feel sick and think they may have the flu, they should go to the health center.
