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Bradley Health Services holds flu shot clinics

Health Services is considering on having more sessions for students who missed getting the flu shot. Photography by Morgan Patrick

Bradley offered their annual flu shot clinic for students, faculty and staff throughout October, and this year it’s crucial to stay healthy during the pandemic.

“We’re trying to stay as healthy as possible this winter, and the best way to stop the spread of germs that we know are all the things with COVID like washing your hands, keeping distance, covering your cough and getting vaccines that are available like the flu shot,” said Jessica Higgs, director of Bradley Health Services.

The first clinic was held on Oct. 14, and 260 students received a shot. A second clinic was held on Oct. 21. Both were located in the Markin Performance Court and required students to register ahead of time. Bradley nursing students administered the shots.

According to Higgs, the flu season typically lasts from October – March. In the past, Bradley’s campus tends to see the spike after winter break, around February.

The department has held flu shot clinics for the school in the past, but now because of the pandemic, students now must register to get the shot. Before the pandemic students were able to walk-in for the shot.

“I would say we had more people than usual to call to get their shots than we had in past Septembers,” Higgs said. “Although, that could be because we were a little delayed in how to have people registered safely.”

According to the CDC, flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but they will reduce the burden on the health care system with flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths and also conserve medical resources for those with COVID-19. Higgs said that getting the flu vaccine can help your immune system fight the illnesses and to avoid getting the flu.

“The most common misconceptions for the shot is that it can still get you the flu. It can not, the flu shot does not have any alive flu viruses in it,” Higgs said.

According to Higgs, Health Services may hold another session for students who still want to get a shot.

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