The NIC Sentinel

Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: News

Paul Manzardo, division chair for physical eduaction and resort recreation management receives a free flu shot on the second floor of the sub last Thursday.

The Nov. 1 flu clinic, run by Student Health Services, gave free flu shots to students and staff who were able to show NIC student cards. Second year nursing students received community service hours for administering the shots. Community service hours are necessary for graduation, said Corene Cohen, senior administrative assistant for student health. The majority of the 60 flu shots were given to faculty.

"The majority of students are already healthy and aren't worried about getting the flu," Cohen said. Each year between 350-450 people attend the various flu shot clinics, Cohen said.

Because Student Health Services provide the shots later in the year many people have already received their shots, said Cohen.

"I think there are more available in other areas," Cohen said. "The best time is the very end of October or early November." Student Health Services provides the shots later because if shots are given to early the chance of catching the flu at the very end of the flu season grows. Administrative reasons also determine when the flu clinic occurs.

"We just kind of wait for things to settle down," Cohen said.

Different companies provide the vaccinations each year. This year NIC purchased from Moore Medical. Each vile of flu vaccine costs $117 and provides vaccinations for 10 people, Student Health services ordered 60 viles providing 600 vaccinations, Cohen said. Flu vaccinations cost between $20-25 at doctors offices or other medical providers, Nurse Practitioner Zina Prindle said.

"If we were to run into an issue where there wasn't enough (vaccinations) there isn't a shortage so we could order more," Cohen said.

Moore Medical is an online medical provider. They distribute medical, surgical and pharmaceutical products. Moore Medical was established in 1947 in New England, Connecticut.

Jennifer Bergstrom, a second year nursing student, said, "We have five to six scheduled small clinics over the next few weeks." There will be flu vaccination clinics on the second floor of the SUB.

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