FluMist, the first nasally administered flu vaccine in the United States, is back in stock for a limited time at the Thielen Student Health Center.

FluMist is the only flu vaccine being offered to ISU students, and there is a limited supply, said Marc Shulman, physician at Thielen Student Health Center.

Seventy-five students have already called the health center for appointments.

“It’s a good way to protect against the flu,” Shulman said.

He added that, although the shot and the mist accomplish the same goal, they are made in completely different ways. He said the shot is composed of a dead or weakened virus, and the mist has a live one.

The risks of taking the vaccine are minimal, with a runny nose being the most common side effect, Shulman said. Most people under the age of 50 who are not pregnant, do not have severe health problems or are not allergic to eggs — an ingredient in the vaccine — are eligible to take it. People who live in the dorms or in close quarters with many people are more likely to contract the flu and should be vaccinated, he said. The vaccine should prevent the three most common strands of flu in the United States, but it will not prevent Asian bird flu, Shulman said. Fortunately, the bird flu has not been seen in the United States yet.

“We hope that whatever comes through Iowa will be sensitive to the FluMist,” Shulman said.

Some students are worried about the possibility of contracting the virus after vaccination, and many are uninterested in getting vaccinated.

John Hollerung, sophomore in chemical engineering, said he hasn’t had a problem with getting sick in the past few years and doesn’t plan on taking the vaccine.

“It’s not like I’m going to die from it if I get it,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense to me. Why would I want to give myself the virus?”

Some students are considering the vaccinations.

Brian Streeper, sophomore in engineering, said he took the FluMist last year and didn’t suffer from any side effects or complications, but hasn’t decided if he’s going to take it again.

“I might if I get around to it,” Streeper said. “It’s not a priority.”

Kevin Wang, freshman in engineering, said he had the flu recently and does not think he will catch it again this year.