Free flu shots offered for students in Bruin Plaza
By Maria Lemus
Nov. 18, 2008 12:06 a.m.
The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center plans to give UCLA students free influenza vaccines in Bruin Plaza today.
Currently registered students can present their BruinCards and receive the vaccine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., even if they do not have a Student Health Insurance Plan, said Ashe Center spokeswoman Evi Desser.
“It is the best public help effort that the Ashe Center provides for the students,” Desser said.
She added that the Ashe Center will provide the 300 free vaccines on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The common flu, otherwise known as influenza, peaks around January, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
The event will be the third of four flu shot events.
Flu shots were already offered in Bruin Plaza by the Ashe Center on Nov. 3 and Nov. 12.
Free vaccinations will also be offered at the Anderson School on Nov. 24.
Second-year biology student Layhearn Tep said the administration of the flu shots is convenient since it is right on campus.
Free flu vaccines are also available by appointment, but he said it benefits students because it provides the students with the opportunity to take care of their health and complete tasks that they have been meaning to do, but don’t have the time.
First-year marine biology student Ali Anderson said she was glad she made the decision to get the flu shot last week at Covel Commons, because it was fairly painless.
“It was really good. I hardly felt anything,” she said.
Anderson added that the staff was friendly and made her feel comfortable.
But despite the ease of receiving the shot on campus, Desser said vaccinations such as this one are more of a convenience than a necessity.
The flu shot is not imperative, but it may reduce the possibility of getting the flu, she said.
She added that the flu can last days, and with the fast-paced quarter system it is important for students to take precautions to avoid getting sick.
The UCLA Arthur Ashe Center promotes good health and well-being which supports student success, according to the Ashe Center Web site.
Groups that are prone to getting the flu, such as people with chronic illnesses, people with diabetes and pregnant women, are advised to get the flu shot, Desser said.
Aside from getting the flu shot, which alone cannot completely prevent the flu, she said she advises people to continue taking care of themselves.
She said students should constantly wash their hands.
“It’s not a guarantee of immunity,” said Shannon Myers, a first-year physiological science student. “But it’s extra protection.”
Students are encouraged to wear short sleeves for the vaccination.
