Don't forget to set up your appointment with a needle

Even the snow falling outside last Monday, Oct.12 didn’t stop people from taking 15 minutes to stop in and get a flu shot at Anoka Ramsey Cambridge Campus (ARCC) in room E-202.

With the increase of H1N1 cases and the rumors of possible shortages of flu vaccines, people are anxious to take hold of opportunities to get the flu shot as soon as it is available to them. The flu shot clinic, funded by the Homeland Health Incorporated (HHI), made its annual stop at the Anoka Ramsey Cambridge Campus.

The flu shot clinic is staffed by HHI employees who travel to many different locations in Minnesota. The shots were offered free to staff and faculty or students who had proof of insurance. Otherwise there was a nominal fee of $24 to those who were not insured.

The clinic was equipped with three different shots in order to be prepared for a variety of people. The first and most commonly used shot available is called the “flu flulaval”, used for people eighteen years and over. The second shot available is called the “flu zone” and is used to vaccinate ages 3-18. The third and final vaccination available at the flu shot clinic is actually not a shot, but a type of nasal injection called the “flu mist”. This nasal spray is a live but weakened vaccine that is available to any ages. The flu mist has proven to be an easier solution for children who are not comfortable with the shots as the studies show that it is more effective in children.

Alexander Andropol Andreievitch, a teacher at the Cambridge Campus, was one of many who received the flu shot at the clinic Monday morning. This was approximately the fourth or fifth time that Andreievitch has received the shot and he expressed that it is not as much the H1N1 virus as the regular seasonal virus that concerns him.

The average percentage of people who get the seasonal flu in the United States is ranges from 5%-20%. A common misbelief is that only the very old and sick need the flu shot, but this has proven to be false. Whether you are in good health or are suffering from long-term health conditions, you are still at risk of getting the flu.

Another common belief is that you do not need to get the flu shot before December. This is true. The flu shot can be given before or during the flu season, but that does not guarantee its availability as the flu season progresses. Tony Tong, a student at ARCC, realized the importance of getting the flu shot as soon as possible. Tong stated that he usually preferred to make getting a flu shot a family event in which they could all get them together.

But when the opportunity arose at ARCC he couldn’t resist. “This is a perfect opportunity for me, it came to where I am,” Tong reported.

Tong and Andreievitch were among the final count of 47 people who took advantage of the Cambridge Campus flu clinic. This number exceeds the previous final count of 38 from last year according those administering the shots. If you missed this opportunity to receive a seasonal flu shot don’t let it stop you from seeking out alternative flu shot clinic locations to get immunized.