Instead of suffering from ailment after ailment during the coming winter, students can take the opportunity to get their flu shot this week.
SBI Student Health Services began their flu shot clinics on Tuesday, Nov. 13, and they will continue on through Friday of this week.
Shatonia Thornton, one of the three nurses vaccinating students in the Student Union Flag Room, encouraged students to consider their health when deciding whether or not to get a flu shot.
"(Flu shots) should cut down on the spread of the flu," Thornton said.
If students receive a vaccination to prevent themselves from getting sick, they will be able to keep up with classes and work, Thornton added.
So far, at least 500 students have taken advantage of the flu shot clinic paid for by their mandatory student health fee, according Elizabeth Heyden, a nurse educator from Student Health and Wellness.
"We've had about 100 an hour," Heyden said.
Students will need their UB ID card in order to get their free flu shot. Faculty and staff are welcome to get vaccinated at the first-come, first-serve clinic for a fee of $20 payable by cash or check.
Students who currently have a fever over 99 degrees or an allergy to Thimerosal, a chemical ingredient in the vaccine, are not qualified to participate in the clinic. Those students should visit a doctor for their flu shot.
Flu vaccine clinics will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15 in the Student Union Flag Room and Friday, Nov. 16 in 105 Harriman Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional reporting by Fionna Agomuoh, Senior News Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
