UHC provides flu vaccines
By Shayna Strang, contributing writer
Posted on November 13, 2006

On average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu complications in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
To help prevent influenza and any complications, a vaccine was developed in the 1940s. This year the Health Center is working with local distributor GIV to give students, JMU affiliates, staff and faculty the vaccine.

The Health Center begins planning for flu clinics in February each year, coordinator of health promotion Ann Simmons said. The center tries to book rooms and set times for the end of October and beginning of November.

Simmons said these arrangements have often been changed due to distribution issues.

“Because of some problems in recent years, we have learned to be flexible,” she said.

This year there was a slight delay in the shipment of the vaccines. Because of this, the Health Center postponed the clinic planned for Oct. 23 to 25. When 500 flu vaccines were delivered at the beginning of November, they immediately scheduled a clinic for several days last week.
 
“The Health Center cut back because many went elsewhere after the rescheduling,” Simmons said.

Some saw this wait as a sign of a shortage, but with an estimated 115 million doses being produced for this season, the CDC claims there are more vaccines available than ever before.
 
 “There’s been a problem with distribution, not necessarily a shortage,” Simmons said.
 
According to the CDC, earlier this year manufacturers had concerns about the vaccine being developed. Since the influenza virus mutates constantly, it presents a challenge for manufacturers. These issues have since been resolved and had no effect on production or distribution, according to a statement released by the CDC.
 
Producers of the vaccine work at or near full capacity for several months before and during flu season. Since the distribution of the flu vaccine is set up in phases, it is unreasonable to expect millions of doses to be produced and sent out at the same time.
 
In an effort to satisfy demand, manufacturers and distributors have set up a partial shipment system to get vaccines to as many providers as possible. With this method, most providers will not see their entire purchase until the end of November.

The Health Center is currently working to get the vaccine out as soon as it comes in, Simmons said.  More vaccines are expected this week for another flu clinic to be held in the lobby of Grafton-Stovall Theatre from today until Wednesday.

Flu shots are on a first-come basis and no appointment is necessary. Students must register and present their JAC Card for vaccination. The cost is $15 for students and affiliates, such as Dining Services and Bookstore employees and $8 for faculty and staff.

“The price is better than at most places,” senior Emily Butzer said. “My parents pay $25 at home.”
 
Since some people are at risk for flu complications, it seems worth it to most students.
“I get them every year because of my asthma,” freshman Jesse Silliman said.
 
People who have long-term health problems such as diabetes, anemia, weakened immune systems, women who will be pregnant during flu season and people with certain muscle or nerve disorders are also at a high risk and should get yearly immunizations. In some cases, patients should talk to their doctor before getting the vaccine.
 
Students who were unable to attend either clinic should talk to their physician while at home for the holidays, Simmons said. While the ideal time for vaccination has passed, it is still effective when taken well into December and during flu season.