Students, along with anyone affiliated with Missouri Southern, will have an opportunity to prevent the spread of influenza as winter approaches, beginning next week.

Monday and Tuesday, the Willcoxon Health Center will offer a walk-in flu clinic for anyone who is, or has been, connected to the University.

“Anybody who is affiliated with the college can come and get a flu shot,” Pamela Hosp, secretary of health, said. 

“Retirees, spouses, college-age children who may or may not be in school. They don’t even have to be here; your kids could be going to Ozark Christian College, and we would go ahead and do one for them because of your affiliation.”

Hosp says each vaccination will cost $15, a price she says is considerably less than any other location in town.

Shots will be given in two shifts on both days, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and also from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Later in the month, the same service will be offered again. On Oct. 27 and 28, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., shots will also be available.

“It doesn’t make any difference whether you’re an active student or alumni, alumni can come as well,” Hosp said. “Just somebody who is associated with the college is what we request. 

“Then if we have any left over, after we’ve taken care of our population, we’ll open it up to the public.”

Hosp says no appointment is needed, and the Health Center will accept cash, checks or LionBucks. Also, the $15 can be charged to a student’s LioNet account.

“I’m a firm believer that the more times you’re vaccinated, the better your immune system becomes; you become more resistant. 

“I can’t remember the last time I had the flu, and I get one every year.”

Hosp says she traditionally gets her vaccinations at Southern and has done so since she came to the University six years ago.

She also said that the shots Southern has this year protect against strains A and B, but she was not sure if the University’s vaccinations would protect against the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.