DeKALB | It’s that time of year again, and flu season is just around the corner.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall.Starting Monday, NIU students will be able to receive influenza vaccine shots at Health Services.

They will cost $15 and can be paid for with cash, check or bill to the students bursar account. The vaccine shots will be available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In past years, there has been a shortage in vaccines. That does not appear to be the case this year.

“The CDC does not anticipate a flu vaccine shortage this year,” said Health Services physician Shobha Mahadevan. “They anticipate 100 million vaccine doses to be distributed this year with 75 million doses to be distributed before October 31st.” These vaccines are an option for nearly everyone.

“The vaccine can be given to anyone, though there are specific populations at higher risk to get the flu,” Mahadevan said. Young children, pregnant women and people 50 years and older are at higher risk, according to the physician.

Some students do care about getting flu shots, said Carol Sibley, RN coordinator of Health Services.

“Some students are very interested and seek out the influenza vaccine,” she said. “More students should receive the vaccine.”

Senior sociology major Ryan Gash gets a flu shot each year and finds it to be a worthwhile endeavor.

“I have asthma and I get the flu shot each year,” the senior sociology major said. “After I get the shot, I rarely get the flu.”

Jermaine Pigee is a Campus Reporter for the Northern Star.