The University is offering free influenza vaccines to students, faculty and staff at a walk-in clinic this Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Frist Campus Center Multipurpose Room B. The decision to make the flu shots free this year coincided with the national threat of anthrax — a deadly disease that starts with flu-like symptoms — but the University has sent mixed messages about how strongly vaccination is recommended.
A campus-wide bulletin distributed last Friday said the shots were available for all "interested" students. The anthrax threat guidelines posted on the University's website take a stronger position, stating that "since early symptoms of inhalation anthrax may mimic the flu . . . everyone is encouraged to receive the flu vaccine."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga, which provides guidelines for dealing with the anthrax threat, has advised against using the flu vaccine as a way to minimize the incidence of flu-like symptoms. According to a statement released to the media on Oct. 26, "CDC does not recommend that influenza vaccination be considered as a way to avoid confusing influenza disease with suspected anthrax illness."
Pamela Bowen, the University's director of health services, declined to be interviewed for this article but answered questions in a written statement. Asked about the relationship between the CDC's statement and the University's decision, she wrote, "The reason to get a flu shot is to prevent the flu."
Even without the threat of anthrax, the CDC recommends the flu vaccine for college students who live in dorms, where infections can spread easily.
Bowen explained that even after getting the vaccine, students may still catch the flu. She did not express concern at the prospect of students worrying more about the source of their symptoms after being vaccinated against flu.
Bowen said, "If [students] have had a possible exposure to anthrax, they will be treated according to exposure to anthrax protocols."
Thursday's walk in clinic will also provide meningitis vaccine at a cost of $85.
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