Swine flu vaccine available for students Thursday, Oct. 22

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
 
This message is especially for students, but also contains information of which we wanted faculty and staff to be aware.
 
The University has now received a supply of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine mist from the state for distribution to our students given this age group's demonstrated vulnerability to this virus. Student Health Services (SHS) will distribute this vaccine to Bucknell students from 2 to 6 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 22 in Hunt Hall.
 
Students, please note this essential information:

  • In order to receive the vaccine, you must present your Bucknell ID. There is no charge for this vaccine.
  • In keeping with regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, to receive the vaccine you will be required to complete several consent forms, which will be provided to you at Hunt Hall.
  • The vaccine supplies provided to the University are the so-called "flu-mist vaccine," which is delivered via a mist sprayed into the nose. This method of vaccination is as effective as any method of delivery but is unsafe for individuals with conditions that may cause difficulty breathing, such as asthma, or with muscle or nerve disorders as well as for pregnant women. More information on who may safely receive the nasal spray vaccine is available from the CDC at:
    www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flulive.pdf.
  • If you have received a flu-mist vaccine (including for seasonal flu) 28 days prior to this Thursday, you are not eligible to receive this vaccine since having two flu-mist vaccines within that time frame is not considered safe.
  • At this time, this is the only day scheduled for distribution of this H1N1 flu vaccine on campus. Other days may be scheduled if needed and supplies remain available.
  • To accommodate the distribution of the vaccine this Thursday, regular SHS services will close at 2 p.m. that day.

We encourage faculty and staff interested in being vaccinated against this virus to contact their healthcare providers about the availability of the swine flu vaccine. The government has indicated that extensive additional supplies of the vaccine will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
 
Please continue to take the necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of flu. More information, including updates on presumed H1N1 cases at Bucknell, is available at www.bucknell.edu/swineflu.
 
Thank you.
 
Sincerely,

Donald Stechschulte
Director
Student Health Services