By Claudia Geib
The commonwealth of Massachusetts announced that it will cut the number of free influenza vaccines it distributes to health clinics and centers by more than half this fall. Despite recent efforts by health officials to promote the importance of flu vaccinations, budget constraints mean that the free doses are estimated to be cut to about 140,000 this year.
“The state is attempting to make sure their resources are directed to the most needy,” said University Health and Counseling Services Executive Director Madeleine Estabrook. “And that anyone who has coverage through insurance will be able to use their insurance to pay for a flu shot.”
State officials have said insurance coverage gives Massachusetts residents plenty of options to obtain vaccination, yet this cut may seriously affect both Northeastern students from outside Massachusetts and those native to it.
“I wasn’t aware of the cuts at all,” says Kaylee Morrison, a freshman international affairs major from Chelmsford, who has gotten flu shots in the past from her doctor at home. “I don’t think this will affect my family, but I feel bad for people without insurance. This could make it hard for some of them to stay healthy, especially older residents.”
To ensure that all Northeastern students are protected from disease this semester, UHCS is holding immunization clinics the next two weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Flu vaccinations will also be available any time throughout the semester. Vaccinations cost $20 and must be paid for in advance at the Cashier’s office in 354 Richards Hall. All UHCS offerings are limited to Northeastern students.
“We really believe in flu shots,” Estabrook said. “They help us get through the fall and winter, so we would be happy to see as many students as possible come in for a vaccination. Any student who wants a flu shot can come in at any time and we can give it to them.”
Yearly outbreaks of seasonal influenza usually begin to spread in the fall through early spring according to www.Flu.gov, a federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and body aches.
“I’ve always gotten the flu shot every year [at a local doctor],” said Elizabeth Hill, a sophomore communications studies major. “I would definitely go and get another this year. I don’t want to get the flu, especially not while away from home.”
Though most adults can weather the flu through medicine and rest, some groups are at particular risk of post-illness complications. These include adults over 65, children younger than two, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or lung disease.
Regardless of age or health, vaccination and prevention are the best ways to keep from catching the flu, according to the UHCS website. In addition to receiving vaccination, the site advises students to practice frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds and to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you do become sick, you should isolate yourself from others for at least twenty-four hours or until your fever has passed.
For more information about influenza and how to prevent it, visit www.Flu.gov.
