Spring Break
Getting a healthy stab at flu season
Vaccination offered at
Health Center for $15 fee
Karen Imamura, Daily Staff Writer
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"The vaccine exposes your body to a small portion of virus, and your immune system builds up immunity," said Debrayh Gaylle, a lecturer for the school of nursing. "So if you do get the flu, you don't get as sick."
Students living on campus are especially urged to get vaccinated.
"Anyone who lives in close quarters, like the dorms, where the risk of contracting the flu is greater, should get a flu shot," Gaylle said.
Ryan Dion, a junior majoring in art, said he was getting his flu shot for this reason.
"I thought I'd need one because I'm living in Spartan Village," Dion said.
By 12:15 p.m. Monday, a constant stream of people was filtering through Room 311 in the Health building to receive their shot. A second station to handle the overflow of people was set up.
"I'm getting the shot because it's recommended for people over 50, which I am," said Jo Bell Whitlatch, associate dean of the library. "I've had the flu shot for the last four years, and I haven't gotten the flu. I've had colds but not the flu."
Screening questions regarding current health and past flu shot experience are asked before the $15 are handed over and the shot is given.
"We ask for $15 because the vaccine costs us $7.50, and the remainder of the money goes to support the nursing manager center," Gaylle said. "Nursing manager centers are outreach centers where students perfect their skills."
Nursing students are able to perfect their skills in giving injections at this flu shot clinic.
Students practice giving different types of injections on a sponge pad, Roque said.
A concern about being sidelined by the flu prompted one student to get a flu shot.
"I've never gotten a flu shot before, but I don't have time to get sick," said Natalie Repp, a senior art major.
"It didn't hurt, and I'm not scared of needles," Repp said about her shot experience.
According to an information sheet displayed at the clinic, flu viruses mutate, and the vaccine is updated each year. Protection from the flu develops about two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year.
"The vaccine is a part of influenza, or possibly a whole part of the virus prepared in such a way to provoke an immune response without causing disease," said John Boothby, a biology Professor.
The particular vaccine being given at the Health building was grown in chicken eggs, according to the label on the back of the package containing the vaccine.
"The virus needs to be grown in living cells. Chicken eggs are a cheap and easy way to do this," Boothby said.
After a purification process, the cells from the chicken eggs are used to make the vaccine.
Shots are available on the following days and times:
Tuesday, Oct. 29 - noon to 2 p.m. in Health Bldg. 401
Monday, Nov. 4 - noon to 2 p.m. in Health Bldg. 311
Wednesday, Nov. 6 - noon to 2 p.m. in Adm. 167
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