Syracuse University

In preparation for the 2008-09 flu season, Syracuse University Health Services will provide free
flu vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff beginning today, October 14. Health Services
and its partners are offering seasonal influenza vaccination (the "flu shot"), free of charge, on a
first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is needed. A valid SU student or employee I.D.
must be shown in order to receive a shot, and there are separate sessions scheduled for
students and employees.

The clinics are scheduled as follows:

• For students only: Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 228B of the Hildegarde
  and J. Myer Schine Student Center.
  

  
  

• For faculty and staff only: Oct. 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., during "Harvest for Health," in the
  Schine Student Center's Goldstein Auditorium.
  

  
  

• For students, faculty, and staff: Oct. 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in Room 228B of the Schine
  Student Center.
  

For students, faculty, staff, or eligible retirees who cannot attend one of the scheduled clinics,
Health Services will also administer flu shots at 111 Waverly Ave. during two non-appointment
walk-in sessions, on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. each day. For more information
on the clinics and walk-in sessions, call 443-9019.

Based on past demand, Health Services has secured 1,500 doses of vaccine and can get more
if necessary. It is anticipated that this supply will be sufficient to meet the University community's
needs throughout the flu season. The Worklife Wellness Committee, hosted by the Office of
Human Resources, is co-sponsoring the inoculation of faculty, staff, and retirees who are
currently participating in SU's medical benefit plans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the
first and most important step in protecting against the flu strains that cause the most illness during
the flu season. The vaccine can protect recipients from getting sick, or make illness milder if it
does occur.

There are other every-day actions that can limit the spread of flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in
  the trash after you use it.
  

  
  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  

  
  

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  

  
  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  

  
  

• If you get the flu, avoid products containing aspirin and consult with your health care
  provider. Some antiviral medications are effective against influenza but must be started
  within 48 hours of onset of symptoms for maximum benefit.
  

Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.