Georgia Southern University to Offer Flu Vaccinations

January 15, 2013

STATESBORO, Ga. – Jan. 15, 2013 – Georgia Southern University will offer students, faculty and staff two opportunities this month to receive low-cost flu shots during immunization clinics on campus. The flu vaccine will be available on Jan. 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Recreation Activity Center (RAC) and on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Russell Union, Room 2080. The flu shots will cost $5 for students and $10 for faculty, staff and retirees.

“Like the rest of the country, we are seeing more flu cases this year than we did last year,” said Dr. Brian DeLoach, medical director of Student Health Services. “Despite the increase in cases, there is no reason to panic. Most people who contract the flu will feel miserable for several days, but they are going to recover without any problems.” The medical staff has treated three times as many cases of flu and flu-like illness through the end of December 2012 compared to the previous year.

Flu season at Georgia Southern typically peaks in late January and February, and DeLoach urges everyone on campus to be proactive and get a flu shot. “Just because someone did not get their vaccination in September, it doesn’t mean that if they get one in January, it’s too late for them,” said DeLoach.

Along with getting an influenza shot, here are some other tips to lower your risk of becoming sick:

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid being around people you know are sick if possible
• If you have the flu, avoid being around other people until you have had a day without a fever of 100 or higher

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  In 2011, the University was named one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.