Tampa, FL (October 18, 2006) - A record number of free flu shots – 1,500 -- were administered by the USF College of Public Health Oct. 27 in the college’s auditorium. The also college offered pneumonia vaccines to those over age 65, and 50 seniors took advantage of the first-time offer.

The 10th annual flu shot drive was sponsored by COPH in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Health Department, which supplied the vaccines. This year, the college partnered for the first time with USF Student Health Services staff, who delivered 500 doses of vaccine from the college to students in the dormitories.

Among the flu shot recipients were USF President Judy Genshaft, Provost Renu Khator and USF Health Associate Vice President Dr. John Curran.

Karen Liller, PhD, coordinated the program with the Public Health Student Association, faculty and staff. Ellen Kent, MPH, of the Area Health Education Center, coordinates the work with PHSA and other students across USF Health. Kay Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN, and Barbara Kennedy, MPH, ARNP, provided faculty clinical supervision of the student volunteers, and June Lake, MA, helped with the day-of-event coordination.