Whenever a new school year starts, there is always one thing present during every class, lecture, or test: sniffles. As September comes to an end and the fall finally creeps in, flu season likes to come along for the ride. Cold and sicknesses have no trouble spreading either, with tightly packed classrooms creating a gateway for one cough or sneeze to infect 10 or 20 people. Once the air begins to chill, viruses and infections will have a much easier time surviving and making their way throughout campus. Since cases of major respiratory illnesses like influenza seem to reach their peak between late November and December, the best time to take preventative measures is… right now.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every person over six months old should be updated on their flu vaccine every season. With a range of 20 to 40 million flu cases and six to 50 thousand deaths in the United States each year, a vaccine against influenza seems like a smart choice. Although some years only show a 30-40% effectiveness rate, others have boasted over 50%. Scientists are actively aiming to make the vaccine more effective, especially in more extreme cases such as in adults over 60, pregnant women, and children. Despite the varying effectiveness, one aspect of the vaccine is prevalent across any year — availability. Anyone at any time and for any reason can go to CVS or Walgreens and receive a walk-in flu shot, and despite this, at Stevens, it is even easier.
Partnering with the Hudson Regional Health Commission and New Bridge Flu Clinics, students will be able to get their 2025-2026 season flu shots right on campus. The New Bridge clinic will be hosted in the Skyline Suite on the fourth floor of the Howe building. This clinic will be open on October 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again on October 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students can register at newbridgehealth.jotform.com/team/
community-health/STEVENS to secure their vaccine for the season.
The second option for vaccination is even easier. Hudson Regional Health Commission will be hosting the Thrive Wellness Fair on Palmer Lawn on October 9from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a second clinic in the UCC Commons on October 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both events provide vaccination against the flu as well as COVID-19, and are walk-in welcome.
It is important to get vaccinated against the flu before the peak season begins in November, meaning right now, in early October, is prime time to get a vaccine. The health and safety of everyone on campus is always of high importance, so if you can, you should get vaccinated. You should always be aware of any underlying health conditions that may interfere with a vaccine, so always ask your doctor or visit the Student Health Services, outside of Castle Point Hall, if you are unsure.
