Influenza Vaccine Clinics (updated 11-10-09)

The University has received approximately 600 additional doses of the H1N1 vaccine in the nasal mist form and approximately 500 doses of the H1N1 vaccine in the injectable form.

To distribute these vaccines, the University will hold a vaccine clinic on Friday, November 13, from 10 am - 4 pm in Benson 401 A & B for members of the Wake Forest community.  The vaccine is free to Wake Forest faculty, staff, and students.

All of those wishing to receive the vaccine must bring their University-issued identification card. Faculty and staff do not have to be a participant in the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan to receive the vaccine. They also are not required to bring their insurance cards. Registration is available through the Professional Development Center (PDC). To register for the vaccine, please go to http://pdc.wfu.edu/health_wellness/.

The CDC recommends that all individuals in the priority groups for influenza vaccination receive the vaccine as soon as it is available.

These priority groups include:

• All people from six months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from the flu
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

Current students, faculty, and staff who are under age 50 (49 or younger), are not pregnant, and do not have underlying medical conditions (see bulleted list below) should receive the nasal mist form of the vaccine.  Additional information about the nasal mist vaccine can be found on the CDC's web site.

Individuals who are in any of the following categories should not receive the nasal mist vaccine. Instead, they should receive the injectable H1N1 vaccine:

• pregnancy
• anyone with a weakened immune system,
• anyone with a long-term health problem such as
   - heart disease - kidney or liver disease
   - lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes
   - asthma
   - anemia and other blood disorders
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as
cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing
problems,
• anyone in close contact with a person with a severely
weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected
environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),
• children or adolescents (through age 17) on long-term aspirin treatment or aspirin-like treatment (such as Asacol for Crohn's disease)
• individuals over age 49 (50 or more years of age)

Faculty and staff who have questions or need additional information or assistance, please contact <askHR@wfu.edu> or 758-4700. Students should contact Residence Life and Housing at housing@wfu.edu or 758-5185. Additional information will also be available at the clinic.  

At this time, we are not able to offer the vaccine to spouses or children of faculty and staff, or to retired faculty.

The University is planning to continue to provide H1N1 influenza vaccine (both nasal mist and injectable forms) as supplies of these vaccines become available.

Please note:  The seasonal influenza vaccine will not provide protection against the H1N1 influenza, and the H1N1 vaccine will not provide protection against seasonal influenza.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students, faculty, and staff who do not elect to receive the vaccine should take the following precautions during influenza season to limit their risk:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and do not attend classes or come to work if you are sick.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (such as Purell).
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Consult with your doctor about the use of antiviral medications if you do become ill.

The CDC, the American College Health Association, and the Wake Forest University Student Health Service encourage faculty members to remind students not to attend class if they have symptoms of the flu (sudden onset of fever, achiness, cough, fatigue, and sore throat). This will help protect you and others on campus. Of course, any sick student may receive care at Student Health.