The "Fight the Flu at SHU"' campaign is advertising on campus to promote attendance at the flu shot fair, which will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Main Lounge.
According to Mary Beth Costello, director of Health Services, the fair provides all members of the Seton Hall community an opportunity to receive vaccination for the influenza virus.
Costello said it is very important for students along with faculty to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the vaccination. .
According to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory virus which infects the nose, throat, and lungs. The illness ranges from mild to severe and the best way to prevent it is to get the flu vaccine yearly.
"Students can miss five to twelve days of classes with the flu," Costello said. "The best thinking and way to avoid this, is to get the flu shot."
Vaccination is especially pertinent for those with other health conditions, because the flu attacks those who have other illnesses, Costello said.
According to Costello, even if a student is healthy and does not contract the virus themselves after being exposed, they can carry it.
Young people often pass the virus onto others who are more susceptible to illness, such as the elderly.
According to a CDC map of state flu activity, the virus has yet to spread through New Jersey and surrounding states.
"This is the best time to get vaccinated," Costello said.
Seton Hall has offered the flu shot fair for several years.
Originally the event was strictly for employees but it has since been opened to all members of the Seton Hall community.
A similar flu shot fair was held at Seton Hall Law School on Oct. 6. Approximately 160 people were vaccinated, half of which were students Costello said.
For the first time this year, Costello has scheduled a "make up" date for the vaccination, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the Main Lounge.
Students may choose to receive the shot at any time by calling Health Services to make an appointment, Costello said.
Flu shots are $25 for students.
Shots are free for faculty courtesy of President A. Gabriel Esteban .
Erin Williams can be reached at erin.williams@student.shu.edu.
