The university will provide seasonal influenza vaccinations for students, faculty and staff in October and November.
“Flu can be a serious disease and getting immunized is the best step in preventing it,” says Isabel Goldenberg, medical director of GW’s Student Health Service.
She says Student Health Service recommends annual vaccinations for all students and staff.
This year’s vaccine will protect against three stains of the virus, including the 2009 H1N1 virus, which caused the first global influenza pandemic in 40 years last season.
The influenza season tends to peak in January and February and can start as early as October and last as long as May. It’s impossible to predict how bad this season will be, but every year there are flu epidemics on college campuses, according to Dr. Goldenberg.
The vaccines will cost $10, which can be paid for with cash, check or GWorld card. Dr. Goldenberg says the cost is lower than other area providers.
The clinics will be held on Oct. 20 and 28 at the Marvin Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Nov. 3 at the Mount Vernon Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Nov. 11 at Student Health Service from 5 to 7 p.m.
Clinics will also be held on GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus on Oct. 21 and 26 from 12 to 3 p.m. in the first floor North Executive Lobby of Building 2.