Kathy Becher, KRC Student Health Clinic advanced nurse practitioner, has raised the alarm that influenza has risen sharply on the Kenai Peninsula and around the state this last week.

“It takes about two weeks to obtain immunity after receiving Fluzone vaccine by injection, so individuals who want to be protected before traveling and/or flying this holiday season are encouraged to get their flu shots as soon as possible,” Becher said.

Fluzone vaccines are given to help prevent influenza disease caused by influenza A and B strains. Becher encourages checking with a healthcare professional to ensure there are no counter indications to receiving the vaccine.

Examples would be severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, including eggs, egg products, or thimerosal, a component in multidose vaccine vials, or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.

The KRC Student Health Clinic is offering flu shots for students, staff and faculty for $10 each. The vaccine is also available at many health care facilities and pharmacies in the local area. Call the Student Health Clinic at 262-0347 for more information.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oversees responsible development of the nation’s offshore energy resources.

They will be holding a public scoping meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 in KRC’s McLane commons to get public input on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in support of a potential oil and gas lease sale in Cook Inlet, off Alaska’s south central coast. Other scoping meetings are being held in Homer, Nanwalek, Seldovia and Anchorage.

The EIS analysis will focus on the potential effects of leasing, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas in the proposed lease sale area, which BOEM identified in November 2013.

According to Dr. Walter Cruickshank, BOEM acting director, stakeholders and residents of the communities that will be potentially impacted are being asked to provide information on how the proposed leasing area is currently being used and what specific areas need extra attention.

Information gathered during the scoping process will help BOEM prepare the EIS, which in turn will inform a final decision on whether to hold the lease sale.

To provide public comment, go to www.regulations.gov and search for “Sale 244.” A direct link, as well as more information about the sale, is available at: www.boem.gov/ak244.

There is a new club on campus whose goal is to provide more opportunities for students in the process technology and instrumentation degree programs. Tammy Farrell, KRC assistant professor of math and process technology, is the advisor for the club.

Ferrell reported that Bill Simonsen, Udelhoven’s electrical division manager, invited club members to attend a presentation and tour of Udelhoven’s new facility in North Kenai.

“Attendees received excellent advice concerning employment and career choices. There are many new tours and events in the works for the club,” Ferrell said.

According to Kathy Becher, KRC Health Clinic advanced nurse practitioner, the recent health fair held at the KRC Career and Technical Education Center was very well attended with almost 200 people participating.

With the availability of low cost, comprehensive lab tests, more than 100 had their blood drawn for analysis.

The Providence Mobile Mammogram Van was also available and all their available exam appointments were full.

This column is provided by Suzie Kendrick, Advancement Programs Manager at Kenai Peninsula College.