The Centers for Disease Control and­­ Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert late last month warning that a disproportionate number of young and middle-age adults were suffering from a severe respiratory illness linked to H1N1. While some strains of the flu can be severe or even deadly, you don’t have to put yourself at risk.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in flu protection.

If you’re looking for a place to get a shot, there’s no need to go far. The University Pharmacy offers free flu shots to WSU employees with HAP, DMC Total Health, Blue Care Network and Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage. The pharmacy administers the flu vaccine in an injection, as well as a nasal spray for those who aren’t fond of needles.

“We have the ability now to test for influenza and or strep throat,” says Maria Young, pharmacist and owner of University Pharmacy. “So if anyone has any symptoms or feels like they are coming down with the flu or has pain in the throat, they can walk in and get screened within 10 minutes.”

Vouchers for the tests are available at the pharmacy.

Visit universityrx.wayne.edu/flu-shots.php for more information or call 313-831-2008 to make an appointment.

Students also encouraged to get vaccinations

The Campus Health Center (CHC) offers flu clinics across campus for students. For every flu shot given, CHC will donate to the Shot@Life program to help vaccinate children in developing countries. For a schedule or to set up an appointment, visit health.wayne.edu/flu-shots.html.