Temperatures are dropping, leaves are turning and the sniffling has already begun. With Fall also comes flu season. Thankfully, those wishing to avoid getting sick do have options.
The ETSU Student Health Services center and Maxim Health will be sponsoring an immunization clinic Oct. 30 and Nov. 7 for flu and meningitis vaccines. Flu vaccines cost $30 and meningitis vaccines will be $135. The Food and Drug Administration recommends a flu immunization to anyone wishing to avoid getting the flu this year and to high risk individuals, such as young children or residents of assisted living homes and residence halls.
The meningitis vaccine is recommended for all students living in residence halls. According to the National Meningitis Association, young adults and college students account for roughly 30 percent of new meningitis cases each year; it is predicted that up to 83 percent of these cases may have been prevented by vaccines. Meningitis, the swelling of the membranes and fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, can be severe.
“The threat is real,” said Gina Dean, a medical technician. “When I was in high school, we had a student and a teacher die from meningitis.”
The vaccination clinics will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Culp Center Ballroom, located on the third floor. The Student Health Services center will still be open during normal hours.
For the students who are needle shy, options still exist to reduce the chances of catching a bug. Kristin O’Brien, health education coordinator for the student health services, reminds students to keep a good sleep and eating schedule. “A lack of sleep and poor eating habits can weaken the immune system, making a student more prone to illness,” O’Brien commented.
Students can also avoid illnesses by washing their hands and by dressing appropriately in cold weather – yes, that means no flip-flops in winter.
“Most importantly,” O’Brien noted, “be aware of your illness. If you feel sick, go to the doctor or come by the clinic. Also, if your roommate is sick, keep some distance until they are better.”
?If students do find themselves feeling sick, they can visit the health clinic for a free office visit. Students need to pay only for medicine and any lab work that may be done.
“Many common prescriptions are available at a very minimal cost,” O’Brien said.
The health clinic accepts cash, check and most major credit card payments. The clinic can also accept payments from ID BUCS with a valid ETSU ID.
The student health clinic is located in 160 Nicks Hall. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary.
SGA President Josh Shearin believes the clinic is a convenient service available to students. “Especially if you don’t have health insurance,” he said. “It is a good resource that more students should take advantage of.”
Allergy shots and routine vaccinations are available at any time during the semester at the clinic. The immunization clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Students do need to come into the clinic to request a vaccine and pay for it. The clinic will order the vaccine and contact the student when it arrives. The Student Health Services number is 423-439-4225.

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