The University confirmed the first case of influenza on campus Nov. 17, more than a month before last year’s first reported case.

Students who have not already received flu shots this year should as soon as possible, said Dave Golden, Boynton Health Service public health director.

Students, staff and faculty can get free flu shots from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. today at Boynton or from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the recreation center.

Boynton has scheduled six additional clinics before Dec. 12.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those at the highest risk for complications from the flu include seniors and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung diseases.

However, students should still consider shots to avoid exposing others to the flu, which causes 30,000 deaths in the United States each year, Golden said.

– Britt Johnsen