Flu shots now available at IU Health Center

Choosing to get an injection is never enjoyable, but when a single shot can prevent days of coughing, sneezing and runny noses, some students decide to reconsider.

The IU Health Center is currently offering flu shots to IU students for a low price.

Nancy Macklin, director of nursing at the health center, estimated that the health center has given 5,000 to 6,000 shots a year to students. Despite the number of injections given, Macklin said the health center is still working to do everything possible to publicize their service.

A concern of students interested in receiving a flu shot might be whether the health center has enough injections. Despite the national trend over previous years of flu shot shortage, Macklin assured students not to worry.

“We never run out of flu shots while other people still have them,” Macklin said.
Macklin said the Center for Disease Control and Prevention does not foresee a shortage of flu shot injections this year.

Sophomore Karen Michelson said her mother encouraged her to seek out flu shot injections at the health center.

“I get them every year,” Michelson said.

For students who cringe at the idea of an injection, Macklin said it is a very simple shot with a tiny needle that does not hurt and might only result in a lingering sensation of soreness in the arm.

According to the CDC, the flu shot contains three dead virus strands of the most prevalent cases for that year. The injection helps the body defend against the active influenza virus strand for that season, which usually lasts between November and April.

Macklin encouraged students to seek out flu shots and said the health center offers flu shots for $17.25 for full-time students and $21.25 for part-time students.

“I think $20 is a small price to pay for health,” Michelson said.