![Jennifer Thannhauser, counsellor at the SU Wellness Centre, and Carla Bertsch, sexual violence support advocate, used the mandatory 15-minute waiting period to connect. Book your next meeting at the flu clinic!](/news/sites/default/files/styles/ucws_image_desktop/public/2019-05/jenniffer-carla.jpg?itok=uMX3v6Vf)
Jennifer Thannhauser, SU Wellness Centre counsellor, and Carla Bertsch, sexual violence support aide
Rebekah Jarvis, University of Calgary
Oct. 18, 2018
Jennifer Thannhauser, SU Wellness Centre counsellor, and Carla Bertsch, sexual violence support aide
Rebekah Jarvis, University of Calgary
A record-breaking 788 people were vaccinated on the first day of UCalgary flu shot clinics on Oct. 15, but that doesn’t mean the waits were long. Together, Staff Wellness and SU Wellness have the resources to get people in and out in less than 25 minutes — that includes the mandatory 15-minute after-vaccination waiting period.
Steven Bryant, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, was one of the first to take advantage of flu shots on main campus when they began on Oct. 17 and despite a small lineup, he only waited six minutes for his vaccination.
“It was extremely convenient,” says Bryant. “It’s on my way to work so I could build it into my schedule instead of making a special trip.”
Students and Staff from all faculties are getting their flu shots this season. Make sure you do too!
Rebekah Jarvis, University of Calgary
Health and social responsibility
Whether you’re finding time between classes or between meetings, there are many reasons to get your flu shot. The most obvious motive is to ward off the nasty viruses that are in circulation this flu season.
“Getting the flu shot is a lot more comfortable than getting the flu,” says Bryant. And he’s definitely on to something — a bout with the flu will typically last one to two weeks. Getting a flu shot on campus takes less than 30 minutes.
Protection against influenza is especially important to people like Jennifer Thannhauser, counsellor at the SU Wellness Centre.
“I get the flu shot because I take medication for a chronic illness, and it compromises my immune system,” she says. “Also because my grandparents are quite senior and I want to protect them.”
Michele Moon, mental health specialist in Human Resources, says getting an annual flu shot is the responsible thing to do.
“Immunization against the flu helps protect everyone, including people who are especially susceptible,” says Moon. “The flu shot is a matter of public health.”
With Karen Lobo, Andrew Stewart and Sarah MacKay running things at the front.
Rebekah Jarvis, University of Calgary
Five quick tips for mastering the act of the flu shot
Don’t believe myths about influenza immunization. Some people believe that you shouldn’t get a flu shot while you have a cold — that’s a myth, so don’t change your plans for a case of the sniffles. For more myth busting facts, read: Five common myths about the influenza vaccination.
Lee Thomas, first-year social work graduate student, was one of the first to get the flu shot.
Rebekah Jarvis, University of Calgary
Make your plan to get vaccinated
There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of on-campus flu shots. Make space in your calendar and invite your colleagues and friends to go with you.
View the complete schedule and appointment availability for all campuses.
Free influenza immunizations are offered to the UCalgary community thanks to partnerships with SU Wellness, Staff Wellness and the Students’ Union.