H1N1, influenza shots available on, off campus

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Shots to prevent H1N1 and influenza are now available across Mount Pleasant.

H1N1 became a household name last year because of its severity. Living on a college campus made students more vulnerable to catching H1N1, said Dr. Robert Graham, medical director at Central Michigan District Health Department. He said there are many steps students can take to lower their risk.

“Staying active, getting plenty of sleep, not smoking and eating well are important factors for not getting sick and remaining healthy,” Graham said. “Not washing your hands, hanging around sick friends and not being active can result in catching a cold.”

Anyone more than six months old should get their flu shots as soon as possible to prevent flu season colds, he said.

Many students had some immunity before last year’s flu season, said Amy Errill, pharmacy manager of Walgreens, 1309 S. Mission St.

“H1N1 was blown out of proportion,” she said. “People most at risk are college students. Fortunately, many built up immunities.”

Walgreens has approximately 50 influenza vaccinations and they are expecting around 1,000 throughout the season, Errill said.

Central Michigan University Health Services have a limited number of influenza vaccines available to students, faculty and their dependents age 14 or older. They will be offered Monday through Friday from 8:30  to 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

People around the age of 20 and younger are more likely to get H1N1 because a very similar disease that went around in 1968 which gave many people some immunity, Graham said. Influenza vaccines from Walgreens or Kroger are both under $30. Jeff Hungerford, Kroger pharmacy manager, recommends getting a shot now through the end of flu season, which is considered to be April.

“No over-the-counter medicines are a substitute for the flu shot,” Errill said. “Taking daily vitamins such as vitamin C can greatly help your immune system.”

Influenza is one of the most common college colds, Graham said. It can stay in the system anywhere from four to 14 days.

Vaccines for both H1N1 and influenza are offered at most health stores. Members of Medicaid or Medicare receive the flu shot for free this year, Hungerford said.

Walgreens has an estimated 50 shots in so far and they are expecting around 1,000 throughout the season, Errill said.

Pharmacists around the city urge students to get their shots before the flu could starts to spread around.

“Students should be pushed to get their vaccinations now through flu season,” Hungerford said. “It’s easy and well worth the $30 to get a flu shot.”