Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Derrick Manuat

Speech-language pathology and audiology junior Mallory Davis has made a habit of getting flu shots annually since her freshman year. She works at a daycare center in O'Fallon, which increases her risk of getting the flu. However, she has another reason for getting vaccinated.

"My mom said I should," Davis said, while getting vaccinated Tuesday with other students and faculty.

Flu shots will continue to be administered from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at Health Services, located in the basement of Rendleman Hall. The flu vaccine is free of charge to students. The only requirements are that the student brings their Cougar Card for identification, and fill out a brief health questionnaire to find if they are healthy enough to receive the vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, October or November is the best time to get vaccinated. The seasonal flu can start as early as October or as late as May, and it takes two weeks to develop immunity after the flu shot, according to the CDC Web site.

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated, the CDC says, but those with compromised immune systems and chronic medical conditions are recommended to take the shot annually. The CDC also recommends people that live with at-risk individuals should also get vaccinated.

According to the Illinois Department of Health, there were isolated cases of influenza in the state between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6. Since that time, there has been no influenza activity, according to the IDPH Web site.

For more information about the flu vaccine, call Health Services at 650-2842.

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