West Liberty University’s (WLU) Student Health Services is administering flu shots to interested students, faculty and staff on campus.

According to the Director of Student Health Services, Christy Bennington, flu shots are generally administered starting in mid September and will be given out until February or March based on the availability of supplies.

The flu shots are available to receive at Student Health Services located in the lower level of Shaw Hall. The shots are administered Monday through Friday between 7-3 p.m. or by appointment. The cost of receiving a flu shot is $20 and can be paid through cash or check.

Bennington explained the benefits of getting a flu vaccine by stating that it can keep you from getting sick at a time when immune systems are most vulnerable to the flu. “It can reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. It can also reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization.”

Other practices to consider in order to avoid getting sick during flu season according to Bennington include good hand washing, cleaning your phone, doorknobs, surfaces in your room, disposing of tissues and remembering to cough and sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.

The mission of Student Health Services is to “enable you to take full advantage of your academic experience by maintaining and improving your health.” Student Health Services urges students to consider a flu shot and prioritize their health with midterms and finals approaching.

For more information about receiving a flu shot on campus or if you want to schedule an appointment to get a flu shot, email Christy Bennington at [email protected] or call at (304) 336-8049.