The Health and Counseling Center (HCC) has administered over 1,800 flu shots since last week, compared to approximately 1,300 vaccines at the same time last year.

“During one clinic on the Driscoll Bridge, over 700 vaccinations were given,” said HCC nurse Bryndi Schult.

HCC has been distributing free flu shots to DU students, faculty and staff over the past six weeks, beginning in early September.

The inoculations, advertised through extensive email and flyer campaigns, were given out at several locations, including Driscoll Bridge, outside the Coors Fitness Center and at the HCC.

Schult said a few individuals refused to be vaccinated and encouraged the students to reconsider.

“[Students] go home for Thanksgiving, cough inadvertently on Grandpa and cause him, a senior with an frail immune system, to get very, very sick,” she said.

She also said babies should be vaccinated because they have weak immune systems and are susceptibile to contracting the flu virus.

“It’s really good to protect our younger generations, babies especially,” she said.

HCC informative emails  said “community health” is important.

“Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu,” the emails stated. “Everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the vaccine is available in your area.”