UW Student Health Service Has Flu Shots for Students

The University of Wyoming Student Health Service again will offer seasonal flu shots for students this fall.

Students can get a flu shot at the Student Health Service without an appointment. Shots will be given weekdays from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. This shot will protect against seasonal flu, including protection against H1N1 influenza, says Joanne Steane, UW Student Health Service director.

Cost for the flu shot is $29, and students can pay with cash, check or billed to a student’s account. If students have the UW-sponsored student insurance, Student Health Service will bill the insurance company for the flu shot’s cost. Students will receive a billing statement to submit to other insurance agencies.

Steane notes the following information about receiving a flu shot:

-- This service is offered to students who are eligible to use the Student Health Service, which includes all full-time students and those part-time students who purchased the optional student fee package.

-- Anyone who wants to decrease the risk of contracting influenza should get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone receive a flu shot.

“If you get a flu shot, you will be protected against this illness that causes significant fever, muscle pain, cough and sore throat, and can lead to pneumonia and other severe complications,” Steane says.

-- When receiving a flu shot, it is recommended that students wear a short-sleeved shirt. Students will need to wait 20 minutes after receiving the immunization to make certain he or she has no reaction.

-- Students are requested to read the following information before going to the clinic: www.immunize.org/vis/flu_inactive.pdf.

For more information, contact the UW Student Health Service at (307) 766-2130 or studenthealth@uwyo.edu.