New shot for students

     --Emily Handy

To find out step-by-step ways to prevent the flu, click here.
To read more about identifying flu symptoms, click here.

     With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already listing sporadic cases of the flu for the state of Florida, USF’s Student Health Services (SHS) has begun vaccinations.
     “I highly recommend getting your flu shot,” said Janet Ashmore, a vaccination nurse at USF’s SHS building. “It’s the number one way to prevent (the flu).”
     SHS began inactivated vaccinations — injections given via a shot into the muscle rather than a nasal spray — three or four weeks ago after the vaccine arrived and the staff was vaccinated, Ashmore said. Last year, there were two separate shots, one for two strains of influenza and another for H1N1 — also known as swine flu — which was then a rising concern.
     A new vaccine for use this season, however, provides protection against H1N1 as well as influenzas A (H3N2) and B.
     This year there is also no high-risk priority, said Dee Belangia, another immunization nurse for SHS. Belangia said being in crowds only increases the risk of flu infection and that everyone is recommended to receive the vaccination.
     The College of Public Health, in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Health Department, is offering free flu vaccinations for anyone over the age of 18 on Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Public Health building located at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Fletcher Avenue.
     Vaccines are also free for students through SHS. Students can make an appointment for a vaccination, or attend the flu vaccination clinic Oct. 26 and 28 in Marshall Student Center room 1504 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     “I’m getting the flu shot on campus because it’s free,” said Jeannine Palermo, a sophomore majoring in biology. “And ... I guess to stay healthy.”
     So far Belangia estimates around 70 students have been vaccinated, though Ashwood said there have only been flu like symptoms seen on campus. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as a shot is available.
     Protection typically takes two weeks to develop and can last for a year, according to the CDC.
     “I think they’re (the students) very well versed,” Belangia said. “I think the students have really taken the initiative to go online and research and get the information and understand the importance of acquiring the flu vaccine.”
     CDC reports that risks from the new vaccine can include soreness in the arm, fever, aches or cough. Belangia and Ashmore said they have not seen any negative reactions to the shot so far.
     Palermo said she’s not concerned about bad reactions to the vaccine.
     Both nurses recommend students take other protections against the flu by washing your hands frequently and getting enough rest. Students can find more information on the SHS website, shs.usf.edu, or the CDC website, cdc.gov.