SNA helps students to prevent winter flu by Jordan Bailey The Ranger Online Reporter

"Is it going to hurt?" said Hannah Froschheiser, an elementary education major. The nurse laughed it off and continued with the shot. Froschheiser's arm stiffened up and she squinted her eyes as she waited for the injection.

The Amarillo College Student Nurse Association offered flu shots Monday through Wednesday to employees, their families and students.

"We gave about 70 shots already," said Carlene Trapp, a nursing student who contributed her time to help give the injections.

"Seventy shots in two hours is pretty good," said Dr. Richard Pullen, a registered nurse and nursing professor.

The shots were offered for $13.75 to faculty and students.

Pullen said the main focus of the event is community service.

"Our mission is to be involved in the community to provide a service for our faculty, staff and students," he said.

It is the fifth year the SNA has offered the service.

"We have done this yearly now since '97," Pullen said.

There is a common misconception that some people get the flu virus from the vaccination.

"A person cannot get the flu from the vaccine," Pullen said.

He said 20 percent of those vaccinated may feel slightly sick after the shot.

"The vaccine is very effective in preventing the flu," he said.

AC student Blake Acton said, "I heard about the flu shots from a friend, but I'm not going to get one from AC." Acton said he probably would get one from a family physician.

AC student Tyler Havins said he had not heard about the flu shots and that he would not get one this year.

contributions by Ryan Riley

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