I had the pleasure of going to visit the flu shot clinic in the MLK Jr. Union University Ballroom. Coming out of the COVID-19 age, I was interested in how many people were coming out to voluntarily get a vaccine.

The event started at 10 o’clock in the morning and when I came in around 2 o’clock I still saw a good handful of people.

I, myself, have always gotten the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Even before the pandemic, I knew that preparing my body for the cold season was extremely important, so that is why I wanted to see if other students were thinking the same thing.

I got to talk to Dr. Drew Kirkley, who is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Dr. Kirkley is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

He said that there had been about 200 people who had attended the clinic put on the Health Education Resource Center, Sarah Bush Lincoln Student Medical Clinic, and of course the School of Nursing.

I asked Dr. Kirkley all the why’s. Why is it important to get this flu shot?

He said that it is for the body to recognize the virus. It is almost like a study guide for your body. So when that fateful day comes, your body knows how to fight off the virus and get your back on your feet faster.

I asked why it was especially important for college students. He said the flu symptoms include coughing and close contact, so it is important for those living in close communities.

That is exactly the point. I could not have said it better than Dr. Kirkley.

Have you ever lived in the residence halls? That is about 40 people sharing the same common spaces like toilets, showers, and kitchen. I love the res halls, but I am going to admit, it is not always rainbows and sunshine.

People are so messy and ignore hygiene habits like washing their hands and cleaning up after themselves.

People sneeze with no effort to try and cover it. Like no effort… at least try!

Also, the dining halls? You know how many people touch the same serving spoons or tongs? I know it is the most efficient way to serve, but you never know what the person in front of you touched.

This may be the post-COVID-19 talking, but I am even more conscious of dirty door handles and used pens.

Especially us education majors- you never know what could be going around on your practicum site. It takes one kid to cough in your direction for you to be knocked on your feet for one to two weeks.

The same event will be hosted on October 25th from 10-4 p.m.

So I urge you, get out there and get your flu shot. It takes less than ten minutes for you to prepare yourself for this flu season. People cough, sneeze, and touch things everyday no matter where they are; so it is vital to protect yourself and your community.

So before you go out and party this weekend, go think about getting your flu shot. You see it every day on YikYak.  “Hey, I went to this party this weekend, now me and my friends are throwing our guts up and we feel like crap.”

You never know when the first wave of sickness is going to happen. The famed “frat flu” can strike at anytime. So instead of popping shots out of a glass, get the one that matters- your flu shot.