The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Student News Site of St. John Fisher University

The Flu Shot: A Student’s Guide to Where and When to Get it This Season

The+Health+%26amp%3B+Wellness+Center+on+the+St.+John+Fisher+College+Campus.+%28Photo+by+Madison+Weber%29
The Health & Wellness Center on the St. John Fisher College Campus. (Photo by Madison Weber)

Kelsey Braun ’22, Editor in Chief 

As cold and flu season comes to full swing, a reminder of the seriousness of the virus is important. According to microbiology professor, Fernando Ontiveros, “The flu can be serious. In a normal year, the flu usually induces 30-50,000 that’s just in the US.”

According to the CDC, flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter. Each year, scientists make a new flu shot for people to get. “There’s a couple of different flu shots out there,” said Ontiveros. “The reason that we make new ones every year is because of the strands that are circulating in the community change over time.”

Furthermore, over time small mutations occur in the flu virus over the years, slow enough so that our immune systems don’t recognize it. Usually, the flu vaccine contains a protein found in the virus. “Our immune systems see that protein, makes antibodies against it, and that way when we get the real virus the virus is neutralized by the antibodies in our bodies,” said Ontiveros. 

The two most common methods to get vaccinated against the flu are a flu shot in the upper arm or a nasal spray in the nose.

“I do have the flu shot,” said junior biology major, Hunter Newton. “I have the flu shot because I’m around too many vulnerable people who are immune deficient.”

“I got the flu shot because I don’t enjoy getting sick and I don’t want to spread the flu to anyone,” said Sidney Lesser,  a junior biology major.

Some common Flu virus symptoms: 

  • Fever
  • Muscle Aches
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Headaches 
  • Runny nose
  • Fatigue
  • Delirium or bad dreams
  • Uncomfortable resting

Off-Campus Flu Shot Resources

Pittsford Plaza Wegmans

3195 Monroe Avenue

Rochester, New York 14618

(585) 318-1305

Monday – Friday 

8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday / Sunday

8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Wegmans East Rochester

815 Fairport Rd

East Rochester, New York 14445

(585) 586-8340

Monday – Sunday

6 a.m. – 12 a.m.

CVS Pittsford

2100 Monroe Ave

Rochester, New York 14618

Monday – Sunday

Open 24 hours

(585) 461-3995

CVS Pharmacy Fairport

1304 Fairport Rd

Fairport, New York 14450

(585) 377-8909

Monday – Sunday

8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Walgreens Pharmacy Penfield

1659 Penfield Rd

Rochester, New York 14625

(585) 419-0560

Monday – Sunday

8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Walgreens Pharmacy Fairport

6707 Pittsford Palmyra Rd

Fairport, New York 14450

(585) 360- 1814 

Monday – Sunday 

8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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