Health Center Offers Free H1N1 Vaccines

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University will recognize National Influenze Vaccination Week Monday-Friday, Jan. 11-16.

The national observance was created to raise awareness about the continued importance of vaccinating against influenza following the holiday season. Students and young people ages 19-24 are the focus on Thursday for the national campaign.

According to the CDC, there were 37,778 laboratory-confirmed, influenza-associated hospitalizations and 1,735 deaths between August 30, 2009 and Jan. 2.

Professionals from the Student Health Center encourage all members of the VSU community to protect themselves against influenza by getting the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots each season as well as following the CDC tips below.

Administered in shot form, the H1N1 vaccine is free and available during regular operating hours at the Student Health Center on Georgia Avenue. Appointments are not required. For hours of operation or more information, call (229) 333-5866 or visit http://services.valdosta.edu/health/appointments.aspx .

Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice good health habits
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.