Student Health Services provides students with flu shot

Student Health Services helps the Mason community survive flu season (photo courtesy of Audrey Mattaino).

Flu season has begun, and Student Health Services is making it easier to get vaccinated.

SHS held a flu shot clinic Thursday, Nov. 1 in the Johnson Center. This was the second flu shot clinic this year that was held outside of Sub I, SHS’s regular location.

Every flu season, SHS holds three to five flu shot clinics outside of Sub I as needed, according to Rachel Noble Benner, Case Manager and Special Projects Coordinator for Student Health Services. Past clinics have been held in the JC, Dewberry, and the Hub.

“It depends on where we can get space,” Benner said. Flu shot clinics have also been set up at Mason’s Arlington and Prince William campuses.

“We try to do everything we can to make it easier for students to get flu shots,” Benner said.

“If a student is healthy we advise them to get a flu shot,” Benner said. For students with high-risk medical problems, she suggests asking a doctor or nurse. Benner explained that some high-risk students may be strongly encouraged to get a flu shot or discouraged from it, depending on their situation.

Student Health Services sets up the space and nursing students from Mason’s school of nursing administer the shots, according to Benner.

A flu shot costs $15 for students and $20 for faculty and staff, according to the SHS website.

Students do not need health insurance to get a flu shot or to receive regular on-campus health services.

“There is no charge to be seen by a doctor,” Benner said. There is a fee for lab work and medication.

While SHS does not accept outside health insurance, patients can send their bill to their provider for reimbursement.

To make an appointment, call 703-993-2831. SHS is located in Sub I Room 2300.

For more information visit the SHS website.