University Health Services is aiding the University of Wisconsin campus this year by once again distributing free influenza vaccinations to all UW students.

“[The flu] isn’t life threatening, but it can be disrupting to college students,” UHS Director Kathleen Poi said.

Academically, Poi said, students cannot afford losing the amount of time the sickness typically lasts, which is about one week.

“Even though they recover, it still affects their schedules,” said Sarah Van Orman, UHS director of clinical services.

Another reason for the vast distribution of vaccinations is that the flu is a communicable disease very common among college students. With so many students residing in close quarters in residence halls and apartments, the transmission of disease is even more widespread.

Poi said UHS’s goal is to prevent this spread.

“We want to protect the whole campus as easily as possible,” Poi said.

The flu vaccination protects against certain strains of the influenza virus, which can lead to symptoms such as severe fever and coughs. Although it does not ward off cold symptoms, the prevention of the flu keeps away the more dramatic consequences that often lead victims to become bedridden.

As the vaccination is free, the money to pay for this health service comes from the Student Health Fee, a segregated fee included in every student’s tuition. Poi said the vaccine is a good way to use the money because it “benefits the entire campus.”

To promote the vaccine, the clinic is opening its doors to walk-in appointments, as well as setting up temporary clinics in several residence halls.

“We are trying to make it accessible,” Poi said.

Student wishing to receive the vaccine can visit UHS, 1522 University Ave., from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, the vaccinations will continue to be administered from now until at least January 2008.

“It’s never too late,” Van Orman said. UHS does not anticipate any shortages of the vaccine, so students will be able to find time throughout the season to be vaccinated, Van Orman said.

With a chance for free prevention of a disease that leaves everyone feeling less than healthy, Van Orman and Poi agreed students should take the time to take advantage of it.