REXBURG — With flu season closing in, BYU-Idaho is doing its part to keep students and staff from having a sniffly holiday season.
The BYU-Idaho flu clinic opens tomorrow in the Manwaring Center and is open through December on select days. The booths are located just outside of the Career Center. Holly Ackerman, Gabriel De la Cruz and Jaycee Guadagnin are three BYU-Idaho nursing students participating in the flu shot clinic.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, the trio shared the details of the clinic. Ackerman says getting a flu shot helps, not only you, but those around you.
“One of the most important reasons to come in and get your flu vaccine is not only to protect yourself from getting the flu or getting the flu really bad,” Ackerman said. “It's also important for protecting your roommates, protecting your families. The more people that get their flu shot, the more immunity we have built up as a community here at BYU-I.”
If someone is not able to come to the flu clinic tomorrow, there are several dates the flu shot clinic will be open.
The clinic will be open on Nov. 9, 14 and 16 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 4, 6, 11 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic will be closed during devotionals on Tuesdays. The clinic is not just for students and staff, but for their families as well. If one is unable to attend the clinic on those days, they are welcome to schedule an appointment or walk into the Student Health Center.
Be sure to bring proof of insurance. BYU-Idaho accepts most insurances. However, it is important to note that the university does not take Medicare or Medicaid.
Although receiving a shot can help people stay healthy during the winter, many are nervous about getting the flu shot for various reasons. De la Cruz said that he knows some get nervous but, it does not take long.
“I know that needles are very scary for most of the population, and most of them don't like to get shots,” De la Cruz said. “It's going to be a little poke. It feels like someone is pinching you, but it is honestly not very painful, and it takes a second.”
Guadagnin adds that if you do certain things, it will help to reduce the soreness that occurs afterward.
“Something that helps when you get your vaccine, is to, I know it's as hard as it sounds, but just try and relax that arm,” Guadagnin said. “The more tense you are, the more painful it can be. So just relax your arm, and then after you get your vaccine, just make sure you drink lots of water and move that arm around, and that should help, too.”
For your trouble, you will get a coupon for a free slice of pizza from Fire & Slice at the Crossroads on campus.
To see the full flu shot clinic schedule and more information, go to https://www.byui.edu/health-center/flu-shot-clinic.