The annual Free Flu Vaccination Clinic provided an opportunity for students at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) on Oct. 14 to receive vaccines to protect them during the upcoming flu season.
There were 60 walk-in attendees that received the vaccine without appointment. They had a registration page to make an appointment, but it was later decided to open the vaccination station to walk-ins.
“It is important. We want to make sure students stay healthy,” said Gary Rodriguez, health promotion and prevention manager with Health Awareness Services in CSUMB. “We want to make sure they have access to free flu vaccinations here on campus.”
According to Rodriguez, CSUMB students get the flu on a regular basis. The vaccination station has come to campus for at least 10 years, providing a safe place for students to get flu vaccines without having to worry about going off-campus
“There is a virus that is going to go in and attack the cells of the immune system and cause the symptoms that we know as the flu. Things like fever, body aches, running nose, sore throat and really extreme fatigue make a person not feel good or active for a few weeks,” said Katie Cashatt, registered nurse.
According to Cashatt, people might develop complications from the flu like pneumonia, which could lead to hospitalization. It is important for students to take the flu vaccination to prevent more serious diseases that could affect one’s college performance, such as not being able to attend classes due to the flu.
In her experience, Rodriguez claims that some people choose not to get the flu vaccine due to disinformation. They are afraid of experiencing side effects they believe might come from getting the vaccine.
“Sometimes the students think, ‘if I get the vaccination I am going to get the flu,’ it’s not true. It is not a live vaccination, there is no risk of actually getting the flu,” said Rodriguez.
Students who showed up at the vaccine station explained their reasons for why they were getting the vaccination.
“I try to take it every year,” said third-year mathematics major Filitsa Silva. “I think it just helps me control the symptoms whenever I get sick, I don’t get sick as often and I think it is because of the vaccine.”
“I usually get the vaccination back at my hometown [Tracy] but I started to get it here,” said Antonio Romero, a second-year mechatronics engineering major.
If you are looking to get the flu vaccine you can make an appointment by accessing the California Public Health Department at their website: https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call the Monterey County Health Department at (831) 755-4500.