SXU Places First in Flu Vaccination Challenge for the Second Year in a Row
Saint Xavier University (SXU) has placed first in the 2024-2025 Alana Yaksich National College/University Flu Vaccination Challenge for small schools. It is the second year in a row that SXU placed first in the challenge. Alana's Foundation is a non-profit organization and was founded in 2009 in memory of Alana Yaksich. Though she was a healthy girl with no underlying conditions, she died at the age of 5 in February 2003 just 48 hours after developing flu symptoms.
Alana's Foundation outreach works to engage the community with presentations, media coverage and programs focused on the importance of early flu vaccinations. The vaccination challenge is part of the Alana's Foundation mission, which is to prevent deaths caused by influenza, a vaccine-preventable disease, and provide support for families whose child has died from any illness. The competition helps to spread awareness and serves as a tool to help colleges and universities nationwide to increase their flu vaccination rates for their students and communities.
"The Health Center is honored to receive first place in the Alana's Flu Vaccination Challenge for the second year in a row. The grant that we receive from Alana's Foundation allows us to offer free flu vaccines to our students who may be uninsured or underinsured. We are always so appreciative of that and so are the students," said Katie Schlee, director of clinical services for the Health Center.
It's not too late to get a flu shot!
"Even though it's April, there is still a good amount of influenza circulating. It's never too late to get a flu shot to protect your health and the health of your loved ones!" added Schlee.
Call the SXU Health Center at 773-298-3712 to make an appointment.
Some Common Misconceptions About the Flu
Myth: The flu shot can give me the flu.
Fact: Flu shots have inactivated viruses, so they cannot cause infection. Vaccines are not proven to prevent the flu, but if you get the vaccine, you are about 60% less likely to need treatment.
Myth: I should wait to get vaccinated so I'm covered through the end of the season.
Fact: People should get vaccinated as soon as flu shots are available as it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies.
To protect against the flu, it's important to wash hands regularly; avoid touching the face, eyes nose and mouth; and stay home if not feeling well. The Health Center provides flu vaccines through the entire flu season and is open to the community year-round.