SUNY Oswego Offers Free Flu Vaccinations to Students and Faculty, Promoting Early Prevention
In an effort to promote early prevention and protect the campus community from the flu, SUNY Oswego is offering free flu vaccinations to students and faculty. The university announced that the vaccinations would be available at the Mary Walker Health Center, with walk-ins being accepted during specified hours.
On October 3, SUNY Oswego’s official campus email communications, Oswego Today, shared the news about the free flu vaccines. Students and faculty were invited to receive their flu shots from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Mary Walker Health Center. No appointment was necessary, but individuals were required to bring their IDs and present them to the health provider administering the vaccine. Only students under the age of 18 needed to complete a consent form available on the Patient Portal website.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, the Health Center requested that individuals refrain from visiting if they were feeling unwell on that specific day. This precaution was put in place to prevent any risks to themselves or others.
Recognizing that not everyone would be able to attend the October 3 vaccination event, SUNY Oswego made additional arrangements. Two more days were scheduled for flu shots: Monday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. These vaccinations took place in Swetman Gym located in the Marano Campus Center. The same rules applied for individuals under the age of 18 and those who were not feeling well on those days.
The decision to provide free flu shots early in the season proves to be beneficial for the coming weeks. According to the NYC Health Department, the flu is most common during the fall and winter months, with peak levels occurring between late December and early March. With fall beginning on September 23, it is likely that some individuals may already be experiencing symptoms of the common cold or flu. The typical flu symptoms include fever, chills, aches, cough, and sore throat. It is crucial to note that the flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, or even death. In fact, approximately 2,000 New Yorkers die from seasonal flu and pneumonia each year. However, the NYC Health Department emphasizes that getting vaccinated annually is an effective way to avoid the flu. SUNY Oswego’s initiative to provide multiple opportunities for free flu vaccinations aligns with this recommendation.
Those who were unable to receive a vaccination can still take precautions to prevent contracting the flu. Antiviral medications can be taken as a preventive measure, especially if one knows they will be in close proximity to someone with the flu. In the event that someone does get the flu, the NYS Health Department suggests the following measures: rest, drink plenty of liquids, take medication for symptoms, stay home from work or school, avoid close contact with others, and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. While it is possible to recover from the flu without medical intervention, these steps are crucial in protecting oneself and others.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with the flu are most contagious within the first 3 to 4 days of their illness. Some otherwise healthy adults can even spread the flu one day before experiencing symptoms and up to five days after falling sick. It is therefore essential for anyone with the flu or any illness to adhere to the instructions provided by regulatory agencies like the CDC or the NYS Department of Health.
By offering free flu vaccinations to students and faculty, SUNY Oswego is taking proactive measures to safeguard the campus community. This initiative aims to prevent the spread of the flu and its potential complications. As the fall season progresses, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and prioritize their health by taking advantage of these opportunities for free flu shots.
