Greater Metro
UTHSC Pharmacy students work to scare off the flu
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25 Oct 2012
- Written by Tri-State Defender Newsroom
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University of Tennessee Health Science Center Pharmacy students earlier this month held Boo Flu, an annual event that gives all UTHSC professors, staff and students an opportunity to receive a free flu vaccination.
The supply of vaccines ran out after students immunized 1,850 people. A subsequent event was held to give flu shots to the 240 people who didn't get theirs, or missed the first date. The turnout for this year's event was a record breaker, with 1,500 to 1,600 flu shots dispensed previously.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people receive a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Last year, about 150 million doses were produced to protect people during the flu season, which typically peaks in January and February. Although figures from the CDC show that the 2011-12 flu season was relatively mild, officials warn that is not indicative of the upcoming flu season.
Baptist to offer free flu shots
Baptist Memorial Health Care will host free flu shot events for the community on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season can begin early as October and most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the importance of getting a yearly flu shot. Educational information about flu will be available and Baptist is offering flu vaccines to community members 18 and older.
Groups that should not receive the flu vaccine include anyone who is sick with a fever, those with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome or those with an egg or mercury allergy. The vaccine will also not be given to women who are pregnant or nursing
Locations:
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – 3030 Poplar Ave., 1-800-4-BAPTIST; Baptist Minor Medical Center-Olive Branch, 8990 Germantown Road Ext., contact Janie Basford, 662-893-1199; Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, 1500 West Poplar Ave., contact Kelle Lovelace, 901-861-9410
