The Rocket

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: News

Media Credit: MCT Campus [Click to enlarge]

Contrary to popular belief, Slippery Rock University's flu shot cannot make you sick.

That's because SRU's vaccinations contain only inactive flu viruses.

Kristina Chiprean, director of the McLachlan Student Health Center, is trying to clear up the confusion among college students.

"The flu vaccine cannot make you sick," Chiprean said.

SRU will be providing an opportunity for students and faculty to get the flu shot during Healthfest on Oct. 23 at the Aebersold Student Recreational Center.

There will be nurses present all day to administer shots.

"I've never gotten the flu shot before, but maybe since it's free on campus this year I'll think about it," said Krista Kozminski, a 20-year-old junior math secondary education major.

All students can receive the vaccine free of charge by showing a current student identification card.

Justin Sukala, a 19-year-old sophomore physical education major, regrets not getting the vaccine last year.

"I got really sick last year in early December when the flu was going around, and by then it was too late to go get the flu shot," Sukala said. "I will definitely be getting it this year at Healthfest."

The Centers for Disease Control statement says that the flu shot is definitely the best way to protect against the common strains of the virus.

The vaccination protects against the three most common strains circulating this particular year.

The body develops antibodies to the inactive viruses in the vaccine to help itself later first against those strains. The antibodies generally develop in approximately two weeks.

Chiprean said that the vaccination protects only against influenza.

Many people misconstrue the similar symptoms of a common upper respiratory infection, including a mild fever, coughing and body aches, for influenza.

Influenza has much harsher symptoms such as a lasting cough, a high fever and intense body aches.

The influenza and common upper respiratory infections often occur in the same season, contributing to the confusion among many college students.

"I recommend all students get the flu shot, especially those who have underlying illnesses," Chiprean said.

Chiprean and the rest of the health care professionals at the McLachlan Student Health Center all receive the vaccination each year. This is a practice recommended by the CDC.

They also get it so that they can keep themselves as healthy as possible and so they do not contract or spread the virus to any student they happen to be in contact with throughout the duration of the flu season.

Chiprean said the best time to get it would be October or November.

The human body's immunity after being vaccinated lasts for approximately six months.

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