UHS offering low-cost flu shots to keep campus healthy

Hannah Trusty

Missed classes, piles of incomplete homework and loss of social activities are just a few of the potential consequences of getting the flu as a student. This October, University Health Service is helping students combat the virus with low-cost and free flu shots.

The close proximity of college life, whether it be sharing a dorm room, studying at the library or attending a sporting event, creates opportunities for the flu to spread quickly among college students, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. And getting the flu can be downright miserable.

“Symptoms include having a fever over 100.4 degrees, pronounced muscle aches, possible nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, pronounced cough and associated nasal congestion,” Fadyia Lowe, a Health Education and Wellness Manager in University Health Service, said.

During October, the University Health Service will provide flu shot clinics at five campus locations.  Flu shots are $10 with a valid student ID card and free with a valid UK Student Insurance plan.

The flu shot clinics are available on the following dates:

  • Oct. 3, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the UHS First Floor Lobby
  • Oct. 11, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the W.T. Young Gallery Room
  • Oct. 17, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the UHS First Floor Lobby
  • October 25, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Johnson Center Lobby
  • Oct. 26, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the W.T. Young Gallery Room 

For vaccinations received at the clinic, students can pay with their Plus Account, credit card, cash or check.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Lowe also suggested washing hands frequently, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfecting high-use areas like phones and door knobs, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep to stay healthy this flu season.

If you can’t make the clinic, you can make an appointment at the University Health Service for the flu shot by calling 859-323-APPT (2778) or using the student health link through MyUK.