President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. rolled up his sleeve and grinned as he received his seasonal flu shot Wednesday, at the Student Health Center. The university publicized the event in order to show the president’s support of Stony Brook University’s ongoing efforts in preventing and educating people about the seasonal flu.

‘We have talked a lot about H1N1, but seasonal flu is still out there,’ Stanley said. ‘I hope to get the word out’hellip; the flu vaccine is safe and effective.’

As Stanley, who is a specialist in Infectious Disease, Microbiology and Immunology, geared up to receive the shot, he joked about not being a fainter and how he could not watch himself getting the vaccine. In less than two minutes the procedure was complete and Stanley was free to go, after he was presented with two red lollipops.

From increasing the availability of hand sanitizers at computer sites to providing students with flu and cold kits, efforts by administration and Student Health Services have been seen in full force across campus.

‘I think it shows it is safe,’ Rachel Bergeson, the director of Student Health Services, said about Stanley getting vaccinated.

Doses of the seasonal flu vaccine have been made available for students at the Health Center on Oct. 2 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. ‘- 12 p.m., Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. ‘- 12 p.m. The vaccination costs $10.

Additionally, the Health Center also features a cold clinic where students can receive medications for cold symptoms.

Stanley stressed the importance of students receiving the flu vaccine as well as the H1N1 vaccine, when it becomes available. He said the 18 to 24-year-old age group is especially vulnerable to the virus, and he ensured that the university would work with the state in order to be prepared when the vaccine becomes available.

According to Bergson,the center has so far not seen an overwhelming number of students with severe flu and cold symptoms.’ If students do feel ill, Bergson recommended that students really try to take care of themselves by keeping well hydrated and seeking the proper medications to relieve symptoms.