Sneezes, sniffles, and tissues can mean only one thing: flu season. JC students got the opportunity to combat this year’s flu season with free flu vaccines.

The Harford County Health Department administered the flu medication in mist form on Nov. 4.

This year, roughly 175 students received the FluMist. Last year, the school offered the H1N1 vaccine, but the FluMist is the first seasonal flu medication that the Health Department  has offered at the school.

“Some studies have shown that by protecting children from the seasonal flu, it also benefits those at home and prevents them from becoming sick as well,” Harford County Health Department representative Kurt Seetoo said.

Some students, such as freshman Karly Horn, were told by their parents that they had to get the mist. “My parents made me get it, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Horn said.

Other students like senior Viktor Polyak chose to get the treatment himself. “My parents didn’t care either way, but I thought I should. Although it was a little uncomfortable, it was better than expected,” Polyak said.

According to school nurse Laura Frank, JC is ready for this year’s flu season. “Getting the FluMist is a fast, free, and convenient way to keep our students and staff healthy,” she said.

Kirby Browning can be reached for comment at [email protected].