2008 Woodie Awards
SJU receives flu shots for the first time in two years; supply is limited
Marta Wilson-Barthes '10
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: News
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It's everyone's favorite time of year: a time of snow, Christmas trees, and the flu. In the spirit of the season, Saint Joseph's University is taking every precaution in order to keep the campus as cheery and illness-free as possible, starting with the distribution of flu shots.
Every year, five to twenty percent of the population of the United States gets the flu: A contagious respiratory infection spread by the influenza virus. College students, especially those living in dorms, are particularly susceptible because of the constant proximity to other students.
In the past two years there has been a national shortage of flu shots and Saint Joseph's, like many other college campuses, was unable to receive a supply to distribute to the students. This year the student health center initially received supplies for 300 vaccinations. The demand was so high that another 100 were ordered this week. Shots are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Immunizations were open to students starting Monday Nov. 6, costing five dollars, and available to faculty and staff for 10 dollars starting Nov. 13. Two hundred and fifty of the first three hundred shots were taken by students, the majority of whom were freshman. The rest went to faculty and staff. The new shipment is reserved solely for the student body. Because even doctors' offices have a limited supply, many pre-ordered the shots for 100 dollars each before the start of fall semester if they were unable to receive it at home, because of the advice of parents or simply to be safe.
Students must be physically well in order to receive a shot; they cannot have a fever or respiratory infection. Anyone with an allergy to egg, egg products, or Thimerosal (a preservative found in many foods) cannot receive the shot. Consent forms are available for special situations.
Laura A. Hurst, Director of the Student Health Center, says it is impossible to predict if a flu epidemic is looming in the future but she says we should take every precaution to keeping our campus well this winter.
In addition to being vaccinated, students should wash their hands as often as possible and refrain from sharing drinks or utensils with others. Coughing or sneezing should be done into a tissue and never into the hand. And of course, getting a good night's sleep and eating healthily always aids in a healthy immune system.
Common symptoms of the flu can include high fever, muscle and headaches, exhaustion, dry cough, and runny nose. Any student with these symptoms is recommended to visit the health center and follow the health tips posted on sju.edu/healthinfo.
The unusual warmth for this time of year makes the flu seem less likely, but it will be almost inevitable when the cold weather hits. With upcoming exams, it is the hope of the health center staff to prevent as much sickness as possible and keep the campus and the students in top physical condition.
Every year, five to twenty percent of the population of the United States gets the flu: A contagious respiratory infection spread by the influenza virus. College students, especially those living in dorms, are particularly susceptible because of the constant proximity to other students.
In the past two years there has been a national shortage of flu shots and Saint Joseph's, like many other college campuses, was unable to receive a supply to distribute to the students. This year the student health center initially received supplies for 300 vaccinations. The demand was so high that another 100 were ordered this week. Shots are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Immunizations were open to students starting Monday Nov. 6, costing five dollars, and available to faculty and staff for 10 dollars starting Nov. 13. Two hundred and fifty of the first three hundred shots were taken by students, the majority of whom were freshman. The rest went to faculty and staff. The new shipment is reserved solely for the student body. Because even doctors' offices have a limited supply, many pre-ordered the shots for 100 dollars each before the start of fall semester if they were unable to receive it at home, because of the advice of parents or simply to be safe.
Students must be physically well in order to receive a shot; they cannot have a fever or respiratory infection. Anyone with an allergy to egg, egg products, or Thimerosal (a preservative found in many foods) cannot receive the shot. Consent forms are available for special situations.
Laura A. Hurst, Director of the Student Health Center, says it is impossible to predict if a flu epidemic is looming in the future but she says we should take every precaution to keeping our campus well this winter.
In addition to being vaccinated, students should wash their hands as often as possible and refrain from sharing drinks or utensils with others. Coughing or sneezing should be done into a tissue and never into the hand. And of course, getting a good night's sleep and eating healthily always aids in a healthy immune system.
Common symptoms of the flu can include high fever, muscle and headaches, exhaustion, dry cough, and runny nose. Any student with these symptoms is recommended to visit the health center and follow the health tips posted on sju.edu/healthinfo.
The unusual warmth for this time of year makes the flu seem less likely, but it will be almost inevitable when the cold weather hits. With upcoming exams, it is the hope of the health center staff to prevent as much sickness as possible and keep the campus and the students in top physical condition.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mike Wagnitz
posted 12/01/06 @ 10:39 AM EST
The concentration of thimerosal in the flu shot is listed at 1:10000. This is equivalent to a concentration of 100,000 parts per billion (ppb). Since thimerosal is 50% mercury, this puts the concentration of mercury, in the flu-shot vial, at 50,000 ppb. (Continued…)
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