Flu shots free to Englewood residents with Medicare

According to pharmacist Michael Oliveri, getting an annual flu shot is a no-brainer.

“The shot is for anyone who wants to stay healthy,” Oliveri said. “It’s definitely the most effective way to prevent getting the flu, and it’s the most effective way to prevent passing on the flu.”

AARP and Jewel Osco sponsored flu vaccines for Englewood residents over 50 at the Englewood Salvation Army on Wednesday. Those who were covered by Medicare received the shot for free, while those that did not have coverage paid $24.99.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, five percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year. On average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and about 36,000 die from flu-related causes.

“Even young people are at risk,” said Amir Masood, a Jewel Osco pharmacist.

Englewood Ruth Jackson, 77, and husband Earl, 78, were among the approximate 10 people to receive a vaccine on Wednesday.

“We receive our flu shots every year,” Ruth Jackson said.

In addition to Englewood, AARP and Jewel Osco are hosting free flu vaccines in Chicago’s Brunswick and Austin communities.

“It is important to give people an opportunity to be healthy in these tough economic times,” said Carmenza Millan, an AARP spokeswoman. “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.”

Chicago City Colleges chancellor search

The top spot at city colleges of Chicago is an insider job.

The board of trustees held public forum was held Wednesday to address concerns and comments on the search for chancellor for the City Colleges of Chicago. Each of the participants agreed that the elected chancellor should have experience within Chicago’s community colleges.

“There are many good quality people who would be able to run the city colleges because of the experience they have,” Perry Buckley, President of Local 1600, said. “In fact, I think it would be a disaster if we looked outside the system.”

The new chancellor will take over the position held by former chancellor Wayne Watson, who retired earlier this year. The position, which takes charge of the largest college district in Illinois, is responsible for directing seven campuses that educate more than 120,000 students.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers with a high school degree earned about 26 thousand dollars less per year than a worker with a bachelor’s degree.

“It’s about access to education and a better life,” Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, said.

According to Matthew Kavorzos, a part-time student at Harold Washington, whether the new chancellor is an insider is not as important as the changes he or she will make to the financial aid system.

“Financial aid is never enough for people that work hard,” Kavorzos said. “A lot of kids getting financial aid don’t even bring backpacks to class.”

Kavorzos also hopes to see changes in curriculum and updated computer software for student use.