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| Flu shots: The AUC clinic will continue to vaccinate
students, faculty and staff until its supply of flu vaccine supply
runs out. Ghad Elmor /CARAVAN STAFF |
The American University in Cairo (AUC) clinic is offering
flu vaccination to the AUC community until supplies run out, but some
students remain skeptical about the benefits of taking the vaccine.
The vaccine, called “VAXIGRIP 2007/2008,” costs LE 38. The
price has been discounted for members of the AUC community, but the vaccine
is not covered under the university’s health insurance.
“We recommend that all of the AUC community take the vaccine: it’s
very safe and it will protect everybody,” said Dr.Ikram Seif El
Nasr, head of the medical department at AUC, who added that the vaccine
is particularly beneficial to at-risk people, including those with heart
conditions, chest allergies, low immunity or heavy smokers.
“It’s important to avoid the flu and its complications, like
acute bronchitis or pneumonia,” he added.
Dr. Seif-El Nasr estimates that AUC’s current supply of the vaccine
will last for a month or more.
The flu is a virus that grows resistant to vaccines over time, forcing
the producing companies to update the vaccines so this year’s vaccine
is different from previous years.
According to Dr. Seif-ElNasr, the vaccine should be taken at least once
a year before the annual winter flu season.
“Most of the cases have no complications; however for a very small
minority there might be symptoms of slight fever,” said Dr. Seif
El Nasr.
Those intending to take the vaccine are advised to take it after recovering
from any disease or fever. Apart from that, there are no other precautions
or complications. Anyone can take the vaccine, even after catching the
flu.
Some students expressed willingness to take the vaccine, even though they
were uncertain of its benefits.
“I am willing to take the vaccine, especially because I am sick
now, although I took the vaccine last year and it wasn’t so effective
for me,” said Khalil Yenigun, a political science senior.
“I took the vaccine last year and 10 days later I caught the flu,
so I don’t think it’s effective for me,” said Mourad
Makram, a political science senior.
According to Dr. Seif-El Nasr, it is possible for some people to catch
the flu even after taking the vaccine; however, the severity and duration
of the disease is decreased by the vaccine.
“I have heard about [flu vaccine] before, nut I am not willing to
take it [unless] if the flu becomes serious and spreads in Egypt,”
said Amr Ibrahim, a journalism and mass communication junior.
Other students pointed out that they had not heard enough about the vaccine:
“I have never heard about the flu vaccine or its availability at
all,” said Nora Rafie, a political science senior.
“I haven’t heard about the vaccine before and I don’t
see a particular reason to take it because I don’t catch the flu
that much,” said Hatem El Akad, an accounting sophomore.
“I have heard about the vaccine but not about its availability at
the AUC clinic. I need to know more about it so that I can take it,”
said Rageh Omran, a political science sophomore.
Some AUC staff members were willing to take the vaccine, despite its high
price.
“I am willing to take the vaccine if it will protect me from the
flu. Its price is a bit high for me, but I will pay it if it will protect
me all year,” said Ezzat Samuel, AUC security guard.
Dr. Seif-El Nasr added that several other vaccines are available at AUC
clinic, including ones for rabies, measles and polio, and others can be
requested through the AUC pharmacy.
