The number of students receiving the free flu vaccination from Goddard Health Center has more than doubled this year.

A total of 2,273 students have been given the free flu inoculation, said Mark McCraw, Goddard clinic manager.

"It has been a success because our numbers have increased from the 976 reported last year," he said.

Goddard is still offering the free flu vaccination to students who have a valid student I.D. Goddard has removed the former student fee of $8 and pays the out-of-pocket expense of $5 to $6 for each student receiving the vaccination.

Students wanting the free flu vaccination can receive the shot without an appointment at Goddard from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

McCraw said 10 percent of students have shown interest in protecting themselves against the influenza virus.

"The problem was students did not want to pay the $8 cost," he said. "That is why we removed that hurdle, so students would not have to dig deep into their pockets."

Students also did not have to take time out of their schedules to go to Goddard for the shot, McCraw said. Members of the Goddard staff went to the Oklahoma Memorial Union and the residence halls.

Steven Starke, accounting and management information systems senior, said the free flu shot gives students an opportunity they should not pass up.

"The free flu shot is really convenient for me," Starke said. "Making the shot free is the key. Students would rather pay $8 for something they want instead of on something they really need."

Deanna Mozzocco, Goddard registered nurse, said the flu vaccination protects against the three most prevalent strands of influenza virus.

"Students believe they can still get the flu after being inoculated," Mozzocco said. "The inoculation that we give will protect students from the three major strands of the influenza virus and will help diminish the severity of symptoms contracted from other strands."

Susan Mendus, immunization representative supervisor for the state Health Department, said that people who are medically in a high-risk category should receive the shot immediately. This includes students who have severe medical conditions that may worsen if they came into contact with something like the influenza virus.
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