Weber State University is a great place to pursue a postsecondary degree. Since it has one of the lowest tuition rates within the state, frugal students end up a little happier here. Sometimes, I feel that many students think that with a lower tuition comes less fun and fewer opportunities and activities. This, however, is simply not true.

WSU offers a lot to its students. I think of the undergraduate research program that not only allows students to publish their research, but also gives students the plata to do so. We have a great library and great performing arts program. We have a beautiful campus with new additions every season. We have a health center with an in-house pharmacy, which offers needed medicine at discounted price.

There is one more thing I love about WSU — and, more particularly, the Health Center: free flu shots for students. That’s right, folks — the influenza season is about to begin (I suppose it really never goes in or out of season), and the health centers at the Ogden and Davis campuses have lots of shots to deliver.

Starting TODAY (even as your fingers caress this paper), students can scamper to the clinic and obtain a flu shot. This is an opportunity to fight an epidemic and help the human race to survive! Only a limited number of shots are available, so hurry on to one of the centers and claim your free vaccination. A quick jab to the upper arm and a couple days of fatigue in your arm are the only drawbacks — a small price to pay, really.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone to obtain an annual flu vaccination. It is the first and most important step of preventing the illness. There are many strains of the influenza virus. Last year, the Health Center gave vaccinations that fought against the three main strains of the virus: an H3N2 virus, an Influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much panic a couple years ago. We can expect the same strain protection in this year’s flu vaccinations.

For the sake of full disclosure, I must admit that, after receiving a vaccination, the newly introduced serum running through my veins makes me a bit vain. I feel like Superman, invincible and awesome. These feelings, while not based in truth, are mind-blowing. It’s almost like a natural high. So, no need to do marijuana or subscribe to other methods that create artificial highs; just get yourself a flu vaccination.

Many studies show — and common sense reveals — that as more and more people are vaccinated, the rates of illness drop. Now that’s surprising. Do your duty for yourself and humankind — get the flu vaccination!

Of course, there are a few people who have allergies to the vaccination. Specialists at the Health Center can help you determine if you are a candidate for the vaccination. For additional information about the vaccination, you can call the Health Center at 801-626-6459, visit its website at http://www.weber.edu/healthcenter/ or visit it personally at the Student Services Center, Room 190 at the Ogden campus or Room 220 at the Davis campus.