The Recreational Sports and Wellness Center offered on-campus flu vaccinations for students and staff again this year at MSU with a clinic held Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Clark Student Center.

The clinic, provided by Market Street Pharmacy, administered doses to more than 60 people, according to Market Street pharmacist Brittany Rushing.

The timing aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advises everyone six months and older to get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Many insurance plans cover the cost with zero co-pays.

The vaccine protects against four flu strains, with a high-dose option available for those 65 and older. Adjunct criminal justice professor Ted Paddack emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “I would encourage all students to get their flu shot.”

He added that during flu season, class attendance can drop significantly.

“It takes a toll on students whenever they’re unable to come to class,” Paddack said.

Students should be getting their flu vaccine not only for heard immunity, but also to protect themselves. According to The American Lung society, between 12,000 to 79,000 people across the nation die because of the flu every year.

Though the chance of dying because of the flu is low for college students, it is not zero. The flu can cause complications, especially for those with other medical conditions.

The flu continues to adapt and change, so it is important to keep up with each new flu shot that comes out. It can also help reduce the severity of the flu if you were to catch it.

The MSU Student Wellness Center organized the event from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM in Comanche Suite at the Clark Student Center.