Public Health-Madison and Dane County, along with the University of Wisconsin?s University Health Services, announced Friday they hit a record number of flu shots distributed in 2007.

UHS usually gives about 6,000 influenza vaccinations per year, said Sarah Van Orman, director of clinical services at UHS. As of Dec. 31, 2007, UHS gave 7,162 influenza vaccinations and still has more available, Van Orman added.

Public Health-Madison and Dane County gave out about 1,500 influenza shots, according to Immunization Program Manager Cheryl Robinson.

?It?s not too late to get one since the flu season will probably peak late this year,? Van Orman said. ?Many times it doesn?t arrive until February or March.?

Public Health-Madison and Dane County is also still offering free influenza vaccinations, Robinson said.

?People think about it in September and October, and by January they forget,? Robinson added. ?We still have a lot of vaccine available.?

Robinson and Van Orman said getting the influenza vaccination is particularly important for students who cannot afford to be sick.

According to Robinson, students are in such highly populated places like classrooms, dorms and social events that if one person gets the flu, it spreads quickly to others.

?There is no reason why students shouldn?t get it,? Robinson said. ?You?re protecting yourself and everyone around you.?

Influenza is an airborne sickness, spread by coughing. Van Orman said some effective preventive measures are washing hands and staying home when sick.

Robinson said there is a myth that the flu shot could make an individual sick after taking the vaccine ? which she added is false. The influenza vaccine is made from a killed virus, and it could just be a coincidence that you get a cold after receiving the vaccine,? Van Orman said.

In addition to the influenza vaccine, UHS offers many others. Many traveling students come in for vaccines, Van Orman said.

There is a fee for every vaccination, except influenza.