Flu shots will be available to Fresno State students in the Vintage Room, behind Taco Bell, Tuesday, Sept. 25 and Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The flu shot is offered free of charge, made possible by a student-supported health fee increase that took effect this fall semester, said Cathy Felix, director of the Student Health Center. The fee reduces, or in cases like this eliminates, the out-of-pocket expense to students. Normally, a flu shot would cost students $10.

The Health Center will be giving approximately 800 flu shots to students on a first come, first serve basis. Students just need to present their student ID.

The shots will be administered by Fresno State nursing students from the Department of Nursing.

These flu shots are being made available to help students stay healthy during the flu season.

“By getting the flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading influenza to others,” said Wendy Oliver, director of nursing for university health and psychological services.

Serious side effects are rare, Oliver said. The influenza vaccine contains a dead strain of the virus, so students cannot get the flu from the vaccine. Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare, but if they happen they will most likely take effect a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine is administered.

Mild problems may include: soreness, redness or swelling of vaccine site; sore, red or itchy eyes; fever; aches; headache; itching and fatigue. These symptoms usually last for one to two days, Oliver said.

Student Health Center physicians Dr. Julie Arends and Dr. Dan Little will be on site to answer questions or concerns from students.

Students should let available physicians know if they have any life-threatening allergies. Students should also advise physicians if they have ever had a severe reaction to a flu shot, if they’ve ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome or if they are currently severely ill.

Upon arrival to the vaccine station, student will need to present their Fresno State ID and then read over the Vaccine Information Sheet for the Influenza Vaccine. Students will then need to sign a form stating they have read and understand the information sheet and answer a few questions.

The shot will be given in either the left or right upper arm. Students are asked to remain 10 to 15 minutes after they have received their vaccine. Light refreshments will be provided.

The flu shots will also be given on Wednesday Oct. 10 and Thursday Oct. 11 to students who missed the first opportunity.

Oliver said, “The Student Health Center’s goal is to immunize as many students as possible to help them stay free from the flu.”