Free for students: UTSA Student Health Services offers flu, Tdap shots
![medicine](http://www.utsa.edu/today/images/graphics/vaccine.jpg)
(Feb. 15, 2012) -- UTSA Student Health Services has a limited supply of free flu and Tdap vaccine for students. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and lockjaw. This is a great opportunity for UTSA students to take advantage of the vaccines that can protect them from serious illnesses.
"We are now seeing an increase in positive flu cases in the clinic," said Beth Wichman, M.D., director of UTSA Student Health Services. "This year's flu season is delayed. Typically, the season starts in December or January. Therefore, getting inoculated will reduce the risk of becoming ill with the influenza virus."
The Tdap vaccine is important for adults because the inoculation protects from diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping cough), which are serious diseases caused by bacteria.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) enters the body through cuts or wounds and causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to locking of the jaw so the victim cannot open his or her mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in up to two out of 10 cases.
- Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are spread from person to person. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death.
- Pertussis causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for the person to eat, drink or breathe. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage and death.
For faster service, call to make an appointment between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Friday:
- Main Campus: Recreation and Wellness Center Suite 1.500, 210-458-4142
- Downtown Campus: Buena Vista Street Building Room 1.308, 210-458-2930
Events
This academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program prepares middle and high school students for advanced studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Participants learn about problem-solving systems, develop greater awareness of STEM careers and strengthen their research skills.
UTSA Main CampusArchaeology 101 will introduce campers to archaeology and build on learned skills through experimental activities (like cave painting, weaving, and garbology).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusThe camp exposes rising high school juniors, rising seniors and incoming college freshman to the many facets of the criminal justice system. Students will have opportunities to learn the functions of police in society and apply scientific theories to criminal investigations by examining a mock crime scene.
UTSA Main CampusThe Academy for Teacher Excellence Research Center invites you to join us for the Summer Bridging Institute. This institute will focus on being lifelong growers and continually seeking to increase our skills as educators.
UTSA Downtown CampusArchaeology 201 will briefly go over the foundations of archaeology and related skills, followed by a different topic over the course of this week (like skeletal analysis, global cultures, and more).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusCraft a comic to create your own narrative and find your voice through storytelling. Participants will learn to create characters that are self-reflective and through a community lens.
REGSS Community Room (DB 3.202,) UTSA Downtown CampusCome enjoy a discussion on art as a self expression in the age of moving technology and telling your story with a community.
REGSS Community Room (DB 3.202,) UTSA Downtown Campus