Flu shots will be available for students during the Health and Counseling Center’s flu clinics every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Driscoll Bridge.

Flu shots are free for all students regardless of insurance plan.

Faculty and staff can receive their flu shots during the Wellness Fair on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Driscoll Bridge.

If students cannot make it to a scheduled flu clinic, they can receive the shot at any time by visiting the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) during normal business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. No appointment is needed, though there may be a short wait.

Local drugstores and supermarket pharmacies are also offering flu shots for $25. Last year the HCC gave a record 4,256 vaccines to students, faculty and staff.

“Because the Center for Disease Control recommends that all students receive the vaccine, numbers are expected to be high this year as well,” said Sam Alexander, executive director of the HCC.

The HCC advises people who are pregnant, have asthma or are over age 65 to get their flu shot. Those allergic to eggs are advised against receiving the vaccination.

Alexander said the worst flu months are typically from the end of the year through March and peaking during February. However, last year saw many cases concentrated in November.

For students concerned with getting their flu shot, Alexander and the CDC say it is impossible for the vaccine to cause influenza and in most cases the only side effects are soreness at the injection site and sometimes very mild muscle aches.

“It does take up to two weeks after receiving the shot to gain immunity, so the earlier students can get their shots, the better,” Alexander said.

If students suspect they have the flu it is recommended they don’t go to class until at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved.

“Drink lots of fluids and take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for a fever,” said Alexander.