Beginning this month, University Health Services (UHS) will be offering influenza vaccinations to students.

Students with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, emphysema or other long-term health problems are eligible to receive the vaccinations now at UHS in the Ritenour Building.

The general student population will have to wait until the UHS-sponsored flu clinics begin from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 and Nov. 2 in HUB-Robeson Center Heritage Hall. The cost of the vaccination is $25.

Previously, vaccine shortages have left patients unprotected and prompted fears of a flu pandemic. According to Ellen Nagy, marketing manager at UHS, that may not be the case this year.

"We have been assured by Maxin, the company that sends in nurses and vaccines, that we will have enough [vaccines]," she said. "The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] also predicts there will be plenty of vaccines available."

Because influenza strains change from year to year, students who received a vaccine last year will not be protected this year.

"Every year, the CDC comes up with an idea of what they think the virus will be," said Kathy Petroff, UHS nurse manager. She added that the CDC then produces a basic flu vaccine that only protects against some strains of influenza.

Although the vaccines are relatively cheap and convenient, many students do not plan to receive one.

"No, I wouldn't get a flu shot. I've never gotten one before and I never get the flu," said Lindsey Boyer (freshman-hotel, restaurant and institutional management). "I wouldn't want to pay. I'd just suffer."

Elizabeth Rupp (freshman-premedicine) said she didn't think many students get the shot.

"If everyone started getting them, then I would," she said.

Despite some students' misgivings, Nagy encouraged all students to receive a flu shot.

"Students live in close proximity, sharing bathrooms and dorms. When so many people live close together, you really have an increased risk of getting the flu," Nagy said.

Petroff also pointed out that missing a week of school due to the virus could wreak havoc on students' grades.

For the students who do decide to forgo the vaccine, Petroff emphasized the importance of getting enough rest, decreasing stress levels and eating healthy to stave off illness.

Most importantly, "Washing your hands is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy," Petroff said.