Fall season means flu season and as leaves begin to fall, flu cases start to rise. This means it's time to get your flu shot to protect yourself, your family, and the campus community.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For one day only, free flu shots will be given at the UNM Student Health & Counseling Center (SHAC) Plaza. SHAC is located at 300 Cornell Drive SE, Building 73.

No appointment is needed, and it is open for anyone 18 years and older. The standard flu dosage will only be offered for this event. For anyone 65 years and older and want the high dose flu vaccine, otherwise known as the "senior" dose, are encouraged to contact the SHAC pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

In addition to SHAC's free flu shots, The University of New Mexico Health System (UNMHS) is hosting multiple free community flu shot clinics across the Albuquerque metro area in an effort to get the Albuquerque community vaccinated for this year's flu season.

The first of eight scheduled flu shot clinics is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westside Clinic located at 4808 McMahon N.W. For the complete schedule of dates and locations, click here or check the schedule below.

Dr. Meghan Brett, an infectious diseases doctor and epidemiologist for UNM Hospital, says it's important to get a flu vaccine every year.

"The flu virus keeps changing," Brett says. "This year's flu is different from last year. Also, the flu vaccine only lasts through one season. So, it's important to get vaccinated every year. It's recommended that you get vaccinated in September or October because that will last you through flu season."

Brett says the flu affects everyone differently, and, for some, it can even be life-threatening. Though flu effects can vary from person to person, those with existing health conditions are more at risk, from mild symptoms to possibly life-threatening ones.

"Some people may feel crummy for seven days, but other people have much more serious effects from flu," Brett added. "That could include hospitalization, being on a breathing machine and even death. It's very important that people get vaccinated, particularly those who have underlying health conditions."

Brett says the flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months or older.

For those needing a COVID Booster, Shingrix, or any other vaccine, visit any in-network retail pharmacy or contact the SHAC pharmacy.

For more information, visit SHAC.

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