After recording an unusually high number of walking pneumonia cases this fall, the College is taking necessary precautions to prevent a flu outbreak from occurring this winter.
The Dudley Coe Health Center and the Human Resources Department have made the flu vaccine available to students and employees of the College free of charge.
According to Interim Director of the Health Center Sandra Hayes, approximately 400 students have already been vaccinated for the illness this fall. Health officials, however, would like to see more students take advantage of the opportunity.
"The health center is campaigning heavily for all students to get the flu vaccine this year," Hayes said.
The health center has encouraged students to get their flu shots via e-mails and posts on the Student Digest. Dudley Coe has offered four flu clinics this year as well, and continues to provide vaccines through appointments.
Hayes recommended that every student get the shot.
"Once you have had the vaccine, the risk of getting the flu is greatly reduced and, should you get the flu, will reduce the symptoms," she said. "No vaccine is 100 percent [effective], but the flu vaccine is a really good vaccine."
Students seemed generally pleased with the availability of the shot on campus.
"It was extremely convenient," said Sam Epstein '11. "I walked in, signed my name on a list and was in and out in probably under three minutes."
Students who had not yet received a flu shot generally cited illness or laziness as reasons for forgoing the vaccination.
"I know I should get a flu shot," said Aaron Cole '11. "But there's no one making me."
Other students may have declined getting the vaccine for medical reasons. Its ingredients are grown inside eggs, and the shot can be hazardous for people with egg allergies.
Vaccinations for faculty, administration and other College employees have been provided through Human Resources.
This excludes flu shots for Dining Service employees and employees of the Children's Center. These shots are handled separately because they are considered "essential."
This year marks the second year that the College has offered flu shots for employees.
"People here have kids, they interact with students and everyone here is close because of smaller classes," said Tama Spoerri, the director of human resources.
This year, 259 College employees received the vaccination. This number is lower than the 287 employees who received it last year, but Spoerri said the difference can be attributed to the exclusion of the Dining Service staff from this count.
Spoerri said the more accessible the vaccine, the more likely people are to protect themselves.
"Everyone has a scheduled time, which guarantees very little waiting," she said.