Submitted on behalf of David E. Newman, MD
The Ithaca College Health Center has received its first shipment of H1N1 (swine) influenza vaccine, and is ready to begin immunizing IC students free of charge. In contrast to our seasonal flu vaccine program, we will only be offering H1N1 vaccination to IC students, and not to faculty or IC staff.
We have received 500 doses of the nasal mist vaccine that is licensed for use in healthy, non-pregnant individuals between ages 2 and 49 years, and 400 doses of the inactivated injectable vaccine for persons who are pregnant, over age 49, or have health conditions that make them ineligible for the nasal mist. While our initial supply is limited, we expect to receive additional shipments of H1N1 vaccine over the coming weeks and do not anticipate a shortage
We are focusing our initial immunization efforts on students who are at highest risk for complications of the flu. Our first clinic is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Hammond Health Center, and is only for students who
· Are pregnant
· Have asthma, CF or other lung disorders, cardiovascular disorders other than hypertension, chronic kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), diabetes, anemia or other blood disorders.
· Are immune suppressed from HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, chronic corticosteroid treatment, or chronic immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
· Have a neuromuscular disorder that impairs breathing or swallowing, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Any students not in one of the above categories may be turned away from the Friday clinic for a later clinic date, or be asked to schedule an appointment.
Our second clinic will be at the Health Center on Monday, October 26th, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will be open to all registered IC students. Students will be offered either of the vaccine types according to eligibility criteria and availability.
We have also increased the number of immunization appointments available between 8:30 – 4 PM on all weekdays, and strongly encourage students to call the Health Center at 274-3177 to schedule a vaccine by appointment. The registered nurse who sees you will help you determine which vaccine form is most appropriate.
Students under 18 years of age must have parental permission to receive the vaccination. Forms are available at the Hammond Health Center and must be completed in advance.
We will be scheduling more open clinics in weeks to come, and ask that you monitor Intercom for dates and times. Please call the Hammond Health Center at 274-3177 with any questions.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20091020165536713