As flu season approaches, Thielen Student Health Center is offering two types of vaccines to combat the virus.

Thielen is providing traditional influenza shots to people with increased health risks. FluMist, a nasal-injected flu vaccine, is available to healthy individuals between the ages of 5 and 49. In comparison to flu shots, which contain a killed virus, the nasal spray contains a live, weakened flu virus. The cost is $20 for the traditional shot and $25 for the FluMist treatment.

After last year’s vaccine shortage, a tiered system has been set up by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccinating the public.

Marc Shulman, staff physician at Thielen, said they do not anticipate a shortage of vaccines this year, but want to ensure high-risk patients are protected.

Right now, Thielen is limiting flu shots to older people and people who have certain health problems because only one of their shipments of vaccines has arrived.

Another shipment of flu shots is expected to arrive in the future, although the date is not known, Shulman said. When additional vaccines arrive, it will be offered to the general public, he said.

“We want to vaccinate the people who are at a greater risk first, just to be safe,” Shulman said. “Once we’ve given those people a chance, we can offer the vaccine to more people.”

Some students said they will not try to get the vaccine this year.

Justin Allan, senior in management, said he got the vaccine in the past, but will not get one this year.

“I figure I’m 22 and in pretty good health, so I really don’t feel the need for one right now,” Allan said.

Ryan Davis, junior in mechanical engineering, said he would not be getting the flu vaccine either.

“The last time I got the flu was a couple of years ago,” he said. “I’ve never gotten the vaccine before, so I don’t think I need it now.”

Shulman said to prevent spreading the flu, the best thing to do is to frequently wash your hands, especially before eating, and to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of influenza include headache, fever, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

“If you are feeling sick at all, don’t go out and expose everyone else around you. Just stay in,” Shulman said.

Influenza vaccination appointments can be made at Thielen by calling 294-5801.