Photo by: Lin Cong

The H1N1 vaccine is still available and free at the Health and Counseling Center for students, faculty, staff and even family members.

The first batch of H1N1 vaccines was reserved for people in different priority groups, but now the vaccine is free for everyone.

Clinics will be tomorrow and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Driscoll Bridge.

To date the center has administered 2,100 H1N1 shots and currently have 900 in stock. More can be ordered if needed, said Sam Alexander, the center’s director.

To anyone who says they don’t have time, Alexander said the longest part of getting the shot is filling out the form.

Some students say they are skeptical about the vaccine.

“The vaccine was needed really quickly so people rushed through making the vaccine so I don’t trust it,” sophomore Hami Nguyen said.

Nguyen shares the same opinion of many other students who are hesitant to get the vaccine because of the untested long-term results. 

Alexander said he understands the hesitation but recommends everybody to get the shot.

“No one has immunity to H1N1 unless they’ve already had it or they’ve gotten the vaccine. Missing a week of school is hard, especially on a quarter system,” said Alexander.

Alexander believes that the H1N1 bug has not gone away and it probably won’t. He encourages students to take the necessary precautions, such as being vaccinated, to stay safe.

“If it’s free and all I mean why not, especially if you’re a student. Even if it’s not bulletproof, it helps,” said sophomore Cathy Lam.

H1N1 is similar to the seasonal flu. Anybody with a temperature above 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat is encouraged to visit the health center.

According to Alexander, there were 452 cases of H1N1 during the end of fall quarter. There are now 468 cases.

The most common symptoms are muscle ache, fever, nausea, vomiting and lack of energy.

“Regardless of rumors, or even YouTube, [the H1N1 vaccine] is safe like the regular vaccine,” said Alexander.

The Health and Counseling Center also has 20-30 seasonal flu vaccines left. These vaccines are limited to a first-come, first-serve basis and are free.

For more information, contact the Health and Counseling Center.