Madeline Noda/Contributing Writer
FIU Student Health Services will begin offering free vaccinations on Sept. 9 at both Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay campuses, a cheaper rate than the $16 charge in previous years. The free vaccine will continue to be offered while supplies last.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza, known as the flu, is very contagious and spreads by coughing, sneezing and being in close contact with others.Those in high risk are young children, people over 65, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease and weakened immune systems.
Every year, Student Health Service raises awareness on staying healthy throughout the year by offering events such as effective hand washing workshops and giving away health kits to help prevent spread of viruses on campus. The flu season is about to start and Student Health Services says it has the University covered.
Mariela Gabaroni, Associate Director of University Health Services, said the department does its best to inform students about healthy habits to keep them well physically and academically. She said the department offers workshops throughout the year and a variety of health service, such as aromatherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture, which is covered by the students’ health fee.
According to the CDC, the vaccination contains inactive strains of viruses and causes your body to create more antibodies to fight against the viruses themselves.
For the first time, the vaccine will now protect you against four strains of flu instead of the usual three strains.
According to the vaccine information statement on the FIU Student Health Services website, the vaccine originally contained both influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one strain of Influenza B. It now contains both strains from Influenza A and B, proving to be more effective in keeping you healthy.
Lourdes Diaz-Bergouignan, Nurse Supervisor at University Health Services, explains, “we want to educate the students everything about the vaccine so that they can make an informed decision about getting the vaccine.”
Experts of the CDC keep track of these viruses and their dominance annually to produce an up-to-date, effective vaccine. They explain how receiving a vaccination every year is vital because viruses change constantly.
Federal health officials recommend a yearly flu vaccine for nearly everyone, starting at six months of age. On average, about 24 thousand Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC.
Since college campuses have a high density populations of students, Influenza spreads much more rapidly than in less condensed public spaces. Students are recommended to stay home if experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, nausea and excessive coughing instead coming to school.
Mariela Gabaroni says “It’s better to stay home and rest rather than spreading viruses to the community. If you don’t feel well, stop by the Students Health Service for a quick checkup.”
Studies from the CDC have shown that, overall, college students don’t take the opportunity to get the vaccination due to fear of possible severe side effects, but side effects from the vaccine are mostly due to allergic reactions.
Student Health Services check to see if students have any allergies that could lead to complications from taking the vaccine. Other side effects include fever and swelling where shot was given.
“Those side effects are only temporary. The vaccine will do a greater help of preventing a virus to be caught and spreading it around campus,” said Diaz-Bergouignan.
According to Interim Medical Director of University Health Services Saara Schwartz, the best way to prepare for flu season is to avoid sharing drinks, use hand sanitizer, wash your hands throughout the day and get immunized immediately.
Students can make an appointment or walk-in at the University Health Services complex at MMC or at BBC.
“When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community,” said Schwartz.
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