USC Student Health is seeking to prepare students for the flu season with several pop-ups aiming at immunizing undergraduates against the flu. These pop-ups, called “Flu & U,” have been hosted at the Trojan Farmer’s Market, held Wednesdays at McCarthy Quad, and in the USC Village this month.
The Keck School of Medicine has advised students, faculty and university staff to get vaccinated against the flu. They recommend that “everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October,” according to their website.
Some students decided to get the flu vaccine to protect themselves from the flu, but others also kept public health in mind.
“For a community, mass immunizations are pretty important,” said Alex Forgosh, a senior majoring in computer engineering and computer science.
According to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website, positive influenza cases typically start increasing in mid November and peak in between January and February.
“My mom actually told me to get my flu shot, then I looked it up, and then I saw [the pop-up while] walking, so I was like, awesome,” said Clara Richard, a freshman majoring in psychology. She said she tends to get sick every year and makes sure to get immunized against the flu every year.
She even recommended it to her friend, Kylie Shiels, also a freshman majoring in psychology.
“It was really easy to sign up because I also have the insurance,” said Shiels, “so I didn’t have to pay. So it was really easy.”
Flu shots are free for undergraduate students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, provided by Aetna Student Health Insurance, and $20 for those on another plan, according to the USC Student Health website.
Graduate students with the SHIP/Aetna insurance plan also have the opportunity to immunize themselves, with the Graduate Student Government covering the cost of the vaccine from September 22 to October 18, while supplies last.
If students are looking for other opportunities to immunize themselves, they can schedule an appointment at the student health portal website or walk in at the 1st floor of the Engemann Student Health Center.
Schools such as the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Thornton School of Music are also hosting the “Flu & U” pop-ups at their respective schools in the month of October.
The “Flu & U” pop-ups will continue to be held at the farmer’s market on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the USC Village near Softies Burger on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. The pop-ups will be held throughout September and conclude in the last week of October.