The University’s health centers are preparing for this year’s influenza season with an initial supply of 6,000 flu vaccines free for students.

The flu season, which ranges from December through March, can be avoided or minimized by obtaining a flu vaccination.

Michele MacLeod, infection prevention and control nurse at McKinley Health Center, estimated that, since first offering the flu shots on Oct. 1, nurses have given between 700 and 1,000 shots. MacLeod’s goal is to have students immunized before they head back home for Thanksgiving break.

“The very small and the very old are very susceptible to the complications of influenza, and when students go home, they are likely to visit family members in this range,” MacLeod said. “It is important to not only protect the campus from the flu but also to prevent taking the flu home to one’s family. That’s where a flu vaccination comes in.”

Students can get their free vaccine by bringing their University ID card Monday through Friday to either the McKinley Health center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the Oasis, located in the basement of the Illini Union, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to MacLeod, the flu season can hit at any time, so it is therefore important to be prepared. By getting a vaccination now, students would be taking steps to prevent illness during key scholastic times, like finals week.

Sickness can detract from one’s ability to perform well in school, and getting a flu vaccination can protect students from becoming sick. Therefore, motivation for getting a flu shot can stem from a desire to maintain one’s scholasticism, MacLeod said.

Ariana Staples, junior in LAS, said she did not opt to get a flu shot last year and regrets her decision.

“I need to get one this year,” Staples said. “The doctors really keep pushing it, and I think that’s probably not a bad idea. I don’t want to be sick and out of school like I was last year.”

MacLeod admitted that even though a flu shot is a tiny prick in the arm, it seems that people are conditioned to be fearful of a needle coming at them.

“I don’t plan on getting a flu shot this year,” said Katie White, freshman in LAS. “I really despise shots and for me, I feel like the benefits of the shot don’t overpower my fear of needles.”

For those fearful of shots, certain steps can be taken to minimize any discomfort.

“Letting your providers know your concern about taking the shot is of the utmost importance,” MacLeod said. “It may help to bring a friend so that you can be distracted. When in doubt, speak up and we can take any precaution to minimize any adverse side effects.”