Student Health Services offering Students The Flu Shot
The flu season is upon us, and the University of Wyoming Student Health Services is offering a walk-in visit for students to get the flu vaccine starting September 15th to October 15th, every Tuesday & Thursday from 1pm to 4:30 pm at the Student Health Service building. This is important for students who want to get ahead of the flu season.
During an interview with Adrian Perricone, Nursing Supervisor of the Student Health Services, he talks about the importance of getting vaccinated during flu season.
“I think right now just being on campus being in a student population in classes with 15 to 500, you are in tight quarters, it flu season right now it’s going to be rapping up into October and November as temperatures change so it’s important to make sure that you’re not only protect yourself against potential infection from the flu virus, but also your classmates, teachers, professor, student body.”
The Student Health Service provides this service to all students who come in during the walk-ins.
“So, it’s available to all students,” said Perricone, “We will submit a claim to student medical insurance for all students who have that, and we are offering it for $29 for students who have private insurance or no insurance. Then those who have private insurance can always get a walk out statement from our front desk. They can submit that to their insurance and seek coverage that way. “
When asked about over ways students can protect themselves against the flue during their stay on campus Perricone recommended the importance of being clean
“.I think the most important thing is just personal hygiene,” said Perricone, “Making sure you’re washing your hands; after the restroom, before and after you eat, and whenever you get the opportunities If you have a cough, sneezing, or feeling under the weather. Make sure you are washing your hands for 20 to 30 seconds with warm soapy water. That is going to be number one.”
“Number two is kind of protecting your personal spaces: your dorms and your cars make sure you are keeping those areas clean. Things like that prevent spread, so if you have a lot of people over things like that making sure you sterilize those areas.”
Students who are feeling under the weather are recommended to protect themselves and others, by taking care of their illness, and avoiding spreading infection as much as possible.
“So if they are having flu symptoms like low grade fevers, sneezing, headache, fevers, chills, night sweats, things like that,” said Perricone, “Some of the best things they can do is hydrate really well, and if they need to and if it is possible it would be best to stay away from a decently populated classroom where you could be sneezing, coughing, and potentially spreading it. If you are having symptoms, you can wear a mask. Communicating with your professor to make sure if you have symptoms just communicating with them to gain accommodations.”
“We do not do doctor’s notes at student health. But you are always welcome to come in and seek care.” said Perricone.
Students who are interested in using the Student Health Services on campus can go to the walk-in clinic located at the Students Health/ Cheney Building open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to noon then from 1pm to 5pm. Students can also call (307) 766-2130 or visit the Uwyo.edu/shser website to inquire about more information or to schedule an appointment.
