Brookhaven College’s Health Center prevents spread of influenza during fall season. 

By Britney Cellerini
Contributing Writer

Over 200 flu shots were given to students, staff and faculty at the Brookhaven College Health Center. Flu shots were available Sept. 27 and Oct. 2 and 10.

Flu vaccinations provided on campus are meant to be convenient for students, staff and faculty because of easy access to the Health Center. Vaccinations were provided through the Health Center.

The cost was $28 for individuals without insurance, and free for those whose insurance covered the vaccination, Mildred Kelley, Brookhaven nurse, said.

The flu shot was also free, and covered by the college, for Brookhaven part-time employees, according to a campuswide email from Kelley. Uninsured, full-time employees could also get the vaccination at the $28 cost. Other full-time individuals with health insurance coverage were covered under Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan.

Kelley said people should get flu shots to protect themselves against the virus, which leads to the flu.

Individuals who are more prone to the flu include those who have asthma or have had pneumonia or bronchitis, Kelley said. She also said anyone who has other health conditions that may make them more susceptible to getting the flu should get vaccinated.

According to historyofvaccines.org, influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Type A and B are the two most common types of influenza virus, but each consists of different strains. Flu sickness can range from mild to severe, depending on various factors, such as age, current health status and the strain type.

Kathleen Janvier, an art appreciation professor, brought her 1-year-old son to get the vaccine along with her. The process took about 10 minutes. She said, “I was able to stop in and see my colleagues for a minute and get a few administrative things done at the same time.”

Vanessa Jaramillo, a student, said receiving the flu shot on campus is convenient because it is free under her insurance coverage and the vaccination helps prevent her from getting sick.

Brookhaven has provided the flu shot on campus every year for the past 10 years, Kelley said. About 250-300 student, staff and faculty members per year are given the flu vaccine on campus.

Thomas Shelton, a student, said he did not know the vaccine was available on campus, and likes that Brookhaven makes the process easily available.

“If you get the flu, and if you’ve had the shot, you get over it faster,” he said.