October 15, 2007
Lyon College News Bureau

To help keep the campus community from being haunted by the spectre of the flu this Halloween, the Lyon College Health Office will provide vaccine shots on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The shots will be available to all students, faculty and staff in the Morrow Building Health and Wellness Office at a cost of $12.25 each.

LuAnn Baker, Lyon’s director of Wellness and Health, said those interested in receiving the shots should let her know in advance so she can ensure having an adequate supply of shots and syringes on-hand. Unfortunately, she can’t provide the vaccines to family members of employees.

Those on the Lyon campus most in need of the vaccine include women who will be pregnant during the flu season; people age 50 and over; those with any chronic health issues such as heart, lung or kidney disease; asthma; metabolic disorders such as diabetes, or anemia and other blood disorders; people on long-term aspirin treatment; people with weakened immune systems; people with certain muscle or nerve disorders such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu.

“And those who don’t want to get the flu this year,” Baker added.

Those who SHOULD NOT get the vaccine include people with severe allergies to chicken eggs; people who have had severe reactions to the vaccine in the past; those who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting the flu shot previously or those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever. They should wait until their symptoms lessen to get vaccinated.

Side effects of the vaccine may include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, a low grade fever and aches. If these effects occur, they will begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days. Most will experience no problems. However, on rare occasions, serious problems such as severe allergic reactions can occur.

Baker will only provide shots and not the nasal-spray flu vaccine.

To reserve a vaccine, contact Baker at lbaker@lyon.edu, or call her at 698-4335.

–30–