In an effort to prevent a flu season as bad as last year's, UNM Hospital will use a grant to administer 35,000 free flu vaccinations to UNM students.
The grant was a result of the UNMH Immunization Project, which tries to increase the immunization rate in New Mexico.
Starting Friday, students can receive the shots on the third floor of UNMH.
All students have to do is sign a release form. Because it is a free service, the hospital is not liable for any allergic reactions or if someone contracts the flu through the vaccination.
The vaccine is about 90 percent effective in adults. It is a mild influenza dose and prompts the body to develop an immunity.
It is best to get a flu shot early because it takes a couple of months for the immunization to become effective, College of Pharmacy Assistant Dean of External Programs Michel Disco said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
It is possible, though, to contract the disease through the vaccination. Disco said this is more common in children and the elderly.
Once the flu vaccination takes effect, it lasts two to four months.
Each year, 5 to 10 percent of the population contracts the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
Symptoms include high fever, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.
The Web site also said 36,000 people die each year from the flu.
"You don't want to get the flu and miss a week of school, and you also don't want to give it to somebody else," Disco said.
Today will also be the first time certified pharmacists will administer the shots.
The UNM College of Pharmacy has 126 certified pharmacy students and 80 pharmacists who are able to give flu shots.
"Pharmacists are very accessible compared to doctors," Disco said. "All you have to do is pick up the phone."
She said enabling pharmacists to give flu shots will make it much easier for the public to get immunizations.
UNM pharmacy and nursing students are expected to give 500 shots today to fellow nursing and pharmacy students.
Vaccines are important for students to get, Disco said, because they prevent those who have a busy schedule from falling behind with their demanding lives.
She said it is also especially important for medical caregivers to receive vaccines so the flu is not transmitted to patients.
Once immunized, Disco said the body is aided in fighting the flu in later seasons.
