WKU Health Services is administering seasonal flu vaccines to reduce the risk of spreading the flu this season.

The vaccine is designed to protect against H1N1, H3N2 and the Influenza B virus.

It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control that all persons receive the vaccine, but especially individuals with higher risk factors, including pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 50.

According to the CDC’s website, being vaccinated for influenza is “the single best way to protect against the flu.”

WKU Health Services recommends that individuals should receive the vaccination as soon as it becomes available.

To meet these demands, Health Services is currently accepting walk-ins and promises to have patients seen in a “timely manner.”

The cost of the shot this year is $30, but the vaccination is covered in full by WKU Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Insurance plan.

Other medical insurance plans will be billed, but the vaccine may not be covered, according to an email from Health Services.

Patients are asked by the Health Services Center to bring their insurance and ID card, wear loose fitting shirts or short sleeves and to be in good health at the time of the vaccination.

Patients are also asked to fill out the necessary paperwork — new patient and consent forms — in order to expedite the process. These forms are available are available on Health Services’ website.

The vaccines are offered on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.