Across the country, worries about the scarcity of the flu vaccination this year continue to plague individuals as the winter season approaches. These frustrations stem from experiences many individuals had last year with the limited quantities of the vaccine. According to The Washington Post, national clinics this fall have been closed as a result of "lagging vaccine deliveries," causing individuals to become increasingly pessimistic about their ability to receive the vaccine.With midterms winding down but finals looming in the distance, University students are also becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of available vaccinations.The crowd of students lined up in Newcomb Hall yesterday was an indication of how important many students believe the flu shot is in preventing illness this winter. Amidst the gallons of orange juice and loads of paperwork to fill out, this year's Flu Fest was scheduled to accommodate approximately 2,000 students, according to registered nurse Lori Mason, who helped oversee the event. Intravene, the Lynchburg-based company sponsoring the Fest, used both its available vaccinations and those of the University in order to have a sufficient amount to meet student demand.
First-year Education graduate student Sara Johnston said her decision to get the vaccination stemmed from her skepticism of the availability of the vaccination in other locations.
"I get one every year," Johnston said. "I heard on the news about the shortages, and I know that the University should have enough to supply the students. When you go into the community, you don't know what you're getting."Second-year College student Theo Canaras said he was frustrated because he was not able to get the vaccine last year and thus jumped on the opportunity to get one this year at the Flu Fest."We have to take advantage of our options," Canaras said. "The worst thing would be to have the flu during finals."Past experiences with the flu have motivated other students to seek protection against the virus this winter
"I get sick pretty easily," fourth-year College student Christina Ridgway said. "I had the flu in my senior year of high school and missed lots of school because of it. I've had a flu shot for the past two years and haven't gotten it since."
Not all University students, however, are taking advantage of the availability of the vaccinations on Grounds. Some students, such as second-year College student Taylor Coggin, regularly visit another local clinic to receive the vaccination.
"I didn't really pay attention to [the Flu Fest]," Coggin said. "I go to a doctor for things like that because I feel more comfortable with someone that I've been seeing all my life. It's a well-known clinic, so they have the supply."Third-year College student Julia Gatti said she is not considering attending the clinic because of her friend's reaction to the vaccination.
"I'm not going to get one because one of my friends got really sick after getting one," Gatti said. "I didn't get the flu last winter."
Other students consider personal strategies of health maintenance to be more effective than the vaccination is in preventing the flu.
"I'm not planning on getting one because I haven't gotten the flu," third-year College student Sara Blacketer said. "Taking care of yourself is the most important thing."
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