Western Herald File Photo
Kassie Charnley
Staff Reporter
With flu season right around the corner, Sindecuse Health Center encourages students to come get vaccinated.
Kris Hanson, director of nursing at Sindecuse, said that the flu is a seasonal virus that is most susceptible in the months of September and October through March.
“Getting the flu is miserable – high fever, body aches, congestion, and cough. It puts you in a huge bind,” Hanson said.
As for meningitis, Hanson said the bacterial infection begins with flu-like symptoms and can lead to death in twenty-four hours.
“If someone has meningitis, it is extremely contagious. College students are most susceptible to the virus as it is prevalent in residence halls, classrooms, and social groups,” she said.
Hanson said the meningitis vaccine is a five-year vaccine.
“It is highly recommended that students get the vaccination before coming to college. It is not required, but most doctors and pediatricians are suggesting that young adults get the vaccination while they are in high school,” she said.
Hanson said that there are minimal symptoms after getting one of the vaccinations.
“People usually complain of achiness at the sight of the injection, but that goes away after a couple days and you can take Ibuprofen for the pain,” she said.
The influenza vaccination costs $18 for students and the meningitis vaccination costs $108.
“We try to keep it as affordable as possible for students,” Hanson said.
She said that a variety of insurance companies will cover the expenses of vaccinations. She encourages students to contact their insurance companies to find out if their insurance will cover the cost of the vaccinations.
The clinic outreach schedule for the vaccinations is as follows:
- Tuesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, Health and Human Services Building atrium, Oakland Drive Campus
- Tuesday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, 157 Bernhard Center
- Wednesday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., flu and meningitis vaccinations, Engineering and Applied Sciences Building employee lounge, Parkview Campus
- Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., flu mist and meningitis vaccinations, Student Recreation Center indoor tennis courts (part of WMU’s Health and Wellness Expo)
Vaccinations also are being administered on a walk-in basis at Sindecuse at the following times:
- Mondays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
- Fridays, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
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