With the flu season quickly approaching, the VCCCD student health centers are offering the flu vaccine shot by appointment starting this month for only $20.

This year, the flu strains expected to circulate are identical to last year’s flu season strains, which include the H1N1 virus.

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging virtually everyone to get the 2011 flu shot, noting that immunity from last year’s strain may not be strong enough for the upcoming flu season.

Sharon Manakas RN MSN and coordinator of student health services at Moorpark College discussed how important it is for students to get the flu vaccine

“I think it is crucial because the flu can take you out of class and cost you the semester,” said Manakas.

During the prime flu season from November through April, the flu virus lurks everywhere.

Most students tend to fall victim to the illness mainly because they fail to get the vaccine due to fear or lack of knowledge.

“You can’t get the flu from getting the vaccine,” Manakas stated.

Although there can be some cases of adverse reactions or side effects, for the most part they include sore arms, redness (in the injection site), slight fever and some body aches.

Jahari Booker, a communications major at MC, knows that getting the vaccine will be very beneficial.

“I don’t like shots, but I do see the importance of the flu vaccine,” said Booker. “More than likely I will end up getting the vaccine.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 Americans gets the flu each year. 

There are a few prevention tips that students can use to help prevent the spread of flu symptoms such as; washing your hands often, cover mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, coughing into your sleeve, get plenty of rest, keeping hydrated, keep your stress levels down, if you are too sick just stay home and make sure you get a yearly flu vaccination.

To make an appointment for your flu vaccination or other health concerns please contact Moorpark College Student Health Center at (805) 378-1413, Oxnard College Student Health Center at (805) 986-5832, or Ventura College Students Health and Psychological Services at (805) 654-6346.

Moorpark student Jennifer Bendana waits for her flu shot at the Health Center. (Photo by Jeffrey Farrar)

Moorpark College Student Health Services Coordinator Sharon Manakas RN, MSN gives a flu vaccine to Jennifer Bendana at Moorpark College on Nov. 3, 2011. Bendana is a Student Voice staff writer. (Photo by Jeffrey Farrar)