The Student Health Center is making an effort to make flu shots more accessible to students through its Flu Shots on the Geaux program.
In addition to offering shots at the Student Health Center, SHC employees will give vaccinations at the Student Union Theater and University Recreation Center while supplies last.
Julie Hupperich, associate director for the Student Health Center, said the flu shots offered by the SHC are included in student fees for full-time students, while part-time students and other members of the LSU community can choose to pay the fee and receive a vaccination. The fee is $10 for part-time students and $20 for faculty, staff, retirees and non-student spouses.
This fiscal year is the second consecutive year that the SHC has provided free flu shots for full-time students, but this is the first time the SHC is at new locations.
While considering the locations for Flu Shots on the Geaux, Hupperich said the SHC focuses on places students frequent on a regular basis.
The SHC will offer shots at the Union on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate students during peak lunch time hours and at the University Recreation Center on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. to accommodate students during peak workout hours.
“We wanted to find times that would be convenient for students, and next year, we may select more locations,” Hupperich said.
Hupperich said she wants to encourage students to receive vaccinations in order to minimize missed work days and classes.
“With Flu Shots on the Geaux, vaccination is quick and easy, and it shouldn’t take longer than 10 to 15 minutes,” she said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccination is the best-proven way to prevent the flu.
“The flu can be very serious, and in extreme cases, hospitalization is necessary,” Hupperich said.
According to Hupperich, six students have come into the SHC this semester with flu-like symptoms, but all students tested negative.
She also said the SHC is monitoring cases of the flu on the Centers for Disease Control’s website, and there have been little, if any, cases reported nationwide.
“For the most part, flu season has not started yet,” Hupperich said. “There are a few exceptions, but usually, we see the flu season start around late class.”
Alyssa Evans, dental hygiene freshman, said she also hasn’t received a flu shot.
“I saw the e-mail, and some friends and I were talking about getting it,” she said. 
According to Hupperich, other preventative steps students can take to combat flu season include hand washing, staying hydrated, eating well-balanced meals, managing stress and getting sufficient sleep.
 
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Contact Kate Mabry at [email protected]