District to offer flu, pneumonia shots on all campuses
by Gala Trimble, Reporter

   A spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lead federal agency for protecting health and safety in the United States, warns that an especially virulent virus is headed for the United States this fall and advises everyone to get a flu shot early this fall.
   Tarrant County College's health services area has already prepared to vaccinate employees, students and the community, with October dates announced for each campus.
   CDC director Julie Gerberding said at a Sept. 25 briefing in Washington, D.C., that healthy people, as well as high-risk groups, should get a flu shot because there is a rare abundance of vaccine. The shot will help control the spread of influenza to persons vulnerable to the often-deadly complications of the disease.
   According to information on the CDC's Web site (www.cdc.gov/nip/flu), groups requiring a yearly flu shot include not only people 6 months of age and older with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems and their caregivers, but also travelers, persons aged 50 to 64 years of age and students in institutional settings. Since flu viruses change every year, last year's shot offers little or no protection.
   Women more than three months pregnant are urged to protect themselves against influenza because pregnancy can change their immune and cardiovascular systems and put them at increased risk for complications of the flu.
   Those who should not get flu shots include any person who has a severe allergy to hens' eggs, who has had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past or who has previously developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks after getting a flu shot. These people should talk to a doctor before getting a flu shot.
   Persons who have frequent bronchitis or other chronic respiratory problems and persons 55 years or older should also consider having a pneumonia vaccination every five years, according to Veronica Warrior, health services coordinator on SE Campus.
   TCC health services will offer flu shots for $15 and pneumonia vaccinations for $25 at all locations, except SE, where they will cost $20 and $30, respectively. Fees can be paid by cash or by check, with proper identification. Appointments are imperative to ensure sufficient vaccines are on hand at each location.
   Vaccinations are scheduled on NW in B118E from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, with appointments available through teresa.limerick@tccd.edu or by calling 817-515-7790.
   May Owen Center will offer vaccinations for MOC employees from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in Room 124 on a first-come, first-served basis.
   Health services SE will offer shots Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. or Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both sessions will be in the Main Commons as part of the Health Fair on Oct. 29. The Health Fair will offer several other vaccines, as well as mammograms and screenings for diabetes and prostate and skin cancers. Students interested in taking advantage of these diagnostic screenings should contact Warrior before Oct. 15 for an appointment and insurance information.
   On Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. NE Campus will hold a Health Fair & Blood Drive in the Student Center's Center Corner. Students, faculty and others can make appointments for both flu and pneumonia vaccines by calling 817-515-6222 or 817-515-6688.
   South Campus will offer flu and pneumonia vaccines from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Thursday, Nov. 6, in health services, SACC 146. Appointments are available by calling 817-515-4531.