Sept. 29, 2009: Letter to Campus Community

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As you are already aware, a number of Bucknell University students and several faculty have tested positive for type A influenza, which we are presuming to be the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, based on the guidance of public health officials. It is worth repeating that in a typical flu season Bucknell experiences numerous cases of the regular seasonal flu every year, as do universities and other institutions and communities across the country. That is, nothing we are seeing so far is out of the norm for flu occurrences.
 
As you know, the seasonal flu and the swine flu are different viruses. It is possible to contract both viruses, and there are separate vaccinations to protect against each type.
 
According to public health officials, the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid- to late October. They have not informed us yet though if the University will receive a supply or how the vaccine supply will be distributed. We will share that information when it becomes available.
 
We expect to be able to begin offering the vaccine for seasonal flu beginning late next month, before the start of seasonal flu season, which usually runs from January through March.
 
In the meantime, since Bucknell has not yet received its delivery of seasonal flu vaccine, I encourage all students who are traveling home for Fall Recess (5 p.m. Oct. 9 - 8 a.m. Oct. 14) to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccination from their hometown healthcare providers. In some cases they may already have their supply, and it is also available via major retail outlets (i.e., Walmart, CVS). By doing so, you will be protecting yourself and helping to ensure that the University has an adequate supply for all who wish to be vaccinated for seasonal flu by Student Health Services.
 
We also encourage faculty and staff interested in being vaccinated to obtain the vaccine from their healthcare providers or via their preferred retail outlet.
 
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 W. Stechschulte Jr.
Director, Student Health Services