Arizona, USA – The Arizona State University (ASU) will offer flu shots for students in time for the cold and flu season.
The month of October is the beginning of the dreaded flu season. However, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not reported any case of influenza within the state. Thus, the peak of cases normally occurs from December to February, whereby many people would visit urgent care clinics for medications and treatments. But CDC cautioned that influenza outbreak could start this month, which can last until May.
The agency is expecting a few flu cases nationwide this year. Several states, including North Dakota and Florida have recorded more cases, although CDC said no state has ever reached a “widespread” classification flu activity.
In spite of the low flu cases to date, the agency along with the state Department of Health Services strongly recommend that people get flu shots as early as possible. Getting a flu vaccine serves as an urgent care near me facility against the disease.
Brittany Yee, an accountancy freshman, said she had colds 3 weeks ago, distracting her reviews for the midterm exams as well as her first semester at ASU. But, Yee pointed out her plans on not getting the vaccine.
The CDC said the effectiveness of flu vaccine varies case by case, depending on the age and health condition of the person, as well as the flu strains that the vaccine protects against. Scientists are still trying to predict which strains are more common during the influenza season, and to immunize against those strains.
Emily Hoyt, a Business Law freshman, needed an urgent care when she had strep throat and multiple colds throughout the semester. She said she has been sick multiple times this semester alone. On the other hand, Nermin Elsharawy, a Biomedical Engineering freshman also said she has no plans on getting any flu shots since she never caught any cold throughout the season.
The ASU’s health services department has instigated many vaccination events, and planning on continuing it until the weekend. Vaccination events are being held within 3 of ASU campuses.
Every urgent care clinic had been hosted the entire month, giving students the chance to receive flu vaccine at an affordable cost and in a convenient location. However, students are required to bring along their Sun Card, including their proof insurance and show them at the clinic.
The flu shots offered at ASU cost $20 without health insurance, but those with insurance plans such as the Bridge plan and ASU Aetna would be sufficient in covering the vaccine entirely.
