By Ari Massefski, Class of 2014
George Washington University will offer seasonal influenza vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff at seven clinics in October and early November.
The vaccines are free for students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and cost $20 for all other students and employees.The charge is payable by cash, check or GWorld card.
George Washington employees who are registered in the university’s health insurance plan can receive a free influenza shot at CVS (including the 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. and 2000 L St. locations), Rite Aid or Walgreens (including the 1217 22nd St. location).
According to Isabel Goldenberg, medical director of GW’s Student Health Service, the flu is a highly contagious disease that may present with fever, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea and general physical weakness. The illness becomes contagious one day before symptoms appear and can remain contagious up to one week after symptoms dissipate.
“The most efficient measure of prevention is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Goldenberg.
Student Health Service has been offering flu vaccines for over 30 years. Last year, SHS administered more than 3,000 vaccinations.
Flu clinics will be held on Oct. 19 and Oct. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, on Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in West Hall on the Mount Vernon Campus, and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 and Nov. 9 at Student Health Service, 2141 K St., NW, Suite 501.
Clinics will also be held on Oct. 20 and Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus. Those clinics will take place in Enterprise Hall, in the North Executive Lobby on the first floor.