According to a Harvard nurse administering the vaccines, there has already been a significant turnout.

"In two hours at Annenberg, we vaccinated 185 students," said the nurse, who declined to be identified.

After reading an informational sheet, students who participate in the program sign a consent form and then receive the shot.

According to Campbell, major negative side effects are extremely rare.

Campbell said college students are particularly at risk of contracting the flu "because they are living in groups in a common setting."

The virus is spread through the nose and throat, and "breathing, sneezing, and even talking can pass it on," she said.

"If we have the flu it's everywhere, and it's hard to isolate it," she added. "We want to head it off at the pass."