The influenza vaccination, once highly sought after, is now readily available to anyone interested in staying flu-free for the remainder of the season.
But it cannot be found at Syracuse University Health Services.
At the onset of flu season, Health Services received 100 doses of the vaccination from the Onondaga County Health Department. Since then, all the doses have been administered.
Instead, anyone who needs a vaccination will have to travel to Crouse PromptCare at 739 Irving Ave. to receive the vaccination. Unlike at the onset of the flu season, Crouse PromptCare has enough vaccinations to administer to anyone who needs one.
"There are enough vaccinations available to meet demand," said Public Health Educator Linda Markell.
However, according to Kathleen VanVechten, the director of nursing at Health Services, there has not been much demand for the vaccination lately.
While some people may have been discouraged by the lack of availability at the beginning, others find the flu shot to be useless.
"I'm sick 24/7 so it doesn't really help me," said Matt Trager, a sophomore information technology major.
But the flu season is far from over.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, "Influenza season often peaks in February or later." It had not peaked as of Jan. 8.
"It can peak early, late, or twice," Markell said. "You don't know until the season is over."
VanVechten said while there have been less flu cases this season than in past years, Health Services has seen several this week alone.
Freshman Jake Berman, a television, radio and film major, does not want to be one of those cases.
"I'd get (a flu shot) because you don't want to miss classes and there's no one to take care of you here," Berman said.
Several steps may be taken to help prevent the flu. According to the New York State Department of Health, people should get plenty of rest, exercise and eat properly to boost their immune systems. To prevent the spread of germs, people are encouraged to always wash their hands, cover their mouths and noses, dispose of tissues immediately and clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, phones and refrigerator handles.
If there is a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, VanVechten encourages people to seek medical care immediately. Certain anti-viral medications will lessen the effects if administered early enough. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
For information on flu vaccine or to schedule an appointment to receive the shot, call Crouse PromptCare at 470 - 2951.
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