By Ashley Pereyra
Reporter
Flu shots are still available through Baylor Health Services but the price for waiting may be more.
The Baylor supply of flu vaccine has dwindled down to only intradermal vaccines, according to Baylor Student Life Center staff. Intradermal vaccines are vaccine injected directly under the skin.
Flu shots, which cost $20, are available to all students, faculty, staff, and faculty or staff dependents over 18 years of age on the second floor of the Baylor Student Life Center.
They are given from, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment call 254-710-1010. Baylor Health Services takes insurance or services can be deducted from payrolls or student accounts.
“Fluzone Intradermal,” an inactivated influenza virus vaccine, is the shot being administered at Baylor. It is relatively new to the market and was introduced in the 2011-2012 flu season.
While still given in the upper arm, the intradermal experience is different than the regular flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website said the shot itself is more attractive to people who dislike needles.
Intradermal flu vaccine injections use a needle that is 90 percent smaller, 1.5mm long with the thickness of a penny and require less antigen to be effective, said the Flozone Intradermal website.
However, there are more side effects attributed to this version of the vaccine. Studies have cited higher propensity to experience common reactions such as redness, swelling, toughness, pain, and itching at the injection site, according to the CDC.
Reactions could last from three to seven days after the injection.
