It’s the time of year again to make another trip to the doctor for a flu shot. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State Student Health Center is making things easier on students and their spouses by offering flu shot clinics.

Mary Selby, supervisor of nursing services, said she encourages students to take advantage of the clinics. She said with students at the university so often being in large groups and being near each other in classes, the flu is likely to be passed more easily. A shot would be very helpful in preventing illness, Selby said. The clinics will be held from Oct. 13 to Nov. 20 every Monday from 1-4 p.m. and every Thursday from 8-11:30 a.m.

Selby said the clinic is open during these times because it is recommended that flu vaccines be administered between mid-October and the end of November for most effective results.

Last year was the first time a number of different dates and times were provided for receiving the shot at the clinic. Not including athletes, Selby said approximately 500 students received shots at ISU last year. In previous years, she said, shots were available at the Student Health Center on a walk-in basis, but this process proved to be slow and time-consuming for both the nurses and the students.

With the clinics, students can expect to receive the shot and leave in approximately 15 minutes, Selby said. The clinics are not open to faculty or staff. The cost is only $6 and can be added to a student’s university bill. Selby said the lowest price she has seen in doctors’ offices or pharmacies has been around $9.

No insurance forms are needed, and students at the clinic are given a brochure detailing the flu vaccine. Also, before signing a consent form, students will be informed of reasons they may be in greater need of a vaccination, such as if they are more susceptible to infection than the average person.

Selby said students may be advised against getting the shot if they experience chronic health problems or certain allergic reactions.