TCU nursing’s annual flu clinic began with 500 doses of the influenza vaccine in 2009; this year, it’s prepared to give out as many as 3,000.

The clinic is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow in the TCU Recreation Center and is open to students, faculty and staff. It is staffed by senior nursing students and clinical groups. While the clinic does welcomes walk-ins, people are encouraged to register for a spot.

The clinic will not be providing COVID-19 boosters.

Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory virus whose annual peak season is October through April. The symptoms of flu can range from: fever, cough, chills, headache, fatigue and more.

According to the CDC, during the 2021-22 flu season, roughly 9 million illnesses were believed to be associated with the flu.

“The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The TCU flu vaccine clinic was started 15 years ago and has been an annual event providing students with the opportunity to get the flu vaccine.

In addition to the big event, TCU nursing also organized pop-up clinics for specific groups, such as police officers and the Starpoint School staff members.

Organizers stressed the need to protect the campus from a flu outbreak. Isabel Young, a senior nursing major, said people were more inclined to get the flu shot during the pandemic, but now they seem “less interested.”

“The flu is still a real sickness that can affect a lot of people and make you really sick,” Young said.

Flu shots are also available in pharmacies and urgent care centers, though appointments are often required.

For more information on the flu, visit TCU’s illness prevention page.