According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 85,000 flu-related hospitalizations in the 2016-2017 period.

The Oswego State Mary Walker Health Center has continued its tradition of hosting free flu shot clinics ending with Oct. 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as the last advertised free flu clinic at the health center.

Over 340 students have gotten vaccinated so far, which is a better turnout than the health center had at this time last year, according to Angie Brown, the director of student health services at Mary Walker Health Center.

“It is important that students get vaccinated because the flu vaccine prevents people from getting the flu,” Brown said. “The vaccine lessens the number of days you are ill if you do get the flu and also decreases the viral load of the virus, decreasing the spread to others. It helps protect you and your community.”

Mary Walker Health Center has a total of 1,000 vaccines to give out and is waiting on more shipments of vaccines to continue scheduling flu clinics, so Friday is not the last chance for Oswego State students to get vaccinated.

Flu vaccines between 2016 and 2017 prevented around 5.3 million influenza illnesses, according to the CDC.

“The flu goes around a lot, and last year, it was really bad,” said Brittany Cairns, an Owego State junior. “I don’t have time to get sick with the flu.”

Some students have been getting the flu shots because they are free.

“I think it definitely helps that they’re free, because when students hear the word ‘free,’ even if it’s just a flu shot, they’ll be more inclined to get one,” Cairns said. “If I had to pay for it, I’d be like, ‘ooh, do I really want to spend the money just to avoid the chance of not getting the flu?’”

Other students have been getting the flu shots because of the convenience of having the health center on campus.

“Even if you don’t believe vaccinations are beneficial, giving students the option to choose if they want to get the flu vaccine for free is a great move by SUNY Oswego’s campus,” said Kelly Knight, an Oswego State junior. “Every school should supply students with free flu vaccines. More students will get vaccinated since it’s free, and it overall creates a healthier campus.”

Mary Walker Health Center has been providing students with free flu vaccinations for over 10 years. And, according to Brown, contrary to popular belief, getting the flu vaccination does not make someone more likely to get the flu.

“The vaccine is not a live virus, so it cannot give a person the flu,” Brown said. “Washing your hands is a very important way to prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.”

Photo by Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian