As flu season approaches, Quinnipiac University is being proactive again this year by offering free flu shots to students, faculty and staff.
As a part of the Quinnipiac nursing program, senior nursing students administer the vaccination to the university community. Nursing student Julia Johnson thinks students should think beyond themselves when deciding whether to get the vaccine.
“What I often tell people who are reluctant to get their flu shot is to think of their grandparents. The older we get, the more immunocompromised we become, meaning our bodies are less capable from fighting off infection.”
Senior student Kristen Altmeyer getting her flu shot at Quinnipiac on Thursday.
Photo: Leah Sutherland
The CDC reported that between 70% and 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.
“Our healthcare works on the basis of herd immunity, the idea that those whose immune systems are strong enough to fight off an infection are vaccinated to protect those who aren’t,” Johnson said.
Quinnipiac is offering free flu shots for all students and faculty at the university who have a QCard. The flu shot is also being offered at many pharmacies and doctors’ offices around the country.
“Being able to offer that service to Quinnipiac students, free of charge, creates more awareness and a community effort toward eliminating cases of the flu,” Johnson explained. “And we’ve had record breaking numbers getting their flu shot so far this year.”
Used vaccination containers used throughout the day at Quinnipiac.
Photo: Leah Sutherland
Although the CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months gets their flu shot, it’s estimated that over half of the adults in America do not get the vaccination.
Senior Kayla Hoesly has never gotten the flu shot.
“I don’t get it because I’ve never gotten the flu before, so I just feel like it’s not necessary.”
According to the CDC, last year’s flu season was the longest in 10 years. As a part of the 2018-2019 US flu season report, the CDC reported that the flu season started October 1, 2018, and ended May 4, 2019.
The CDC also reported that there were 42.9 million cases of flu, up to 647,000 hospitalizations and up to 61,200 flu deaths last year.
Health professionals say that influenza is unpredictable from season to season. The flu is recurring every year but the timing, severity and length of the season vary from one season to another.
Vaccinations prepped for students at Quinnipiac.
Photo: Leah Sutherland
The CDC recommends people get their flu shot by the end of October. Students who missed the clinic can attend the second round of free flu shots on campus next Tuesday October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Wednesday October 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Students can also receive a flu shot at local pharmacies like Walgreens located at 1697 Whitney Ave. and CVS located at 2045 Dixwell Ave.