Rock Pride E-Newsletter

SRU tentatively schedules first
H1N1 vaccination clinic for students

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's Health Services has tentatively scheduled November 19-20 for the first of a series of H1N1 (swine flu) clinics for SRU students.

"These are tentative dates because, although we have ordered a sufficient amount of vaccine, we are not sure how much of the vaccine we will receive, what type it will be or exactly when it will arrive," said Kris Chiprean, director of SRU's McLachlan Student Health Center.

"At this point, we are just unsure of delivery, but we want to begin planning and then make any adjustments necessary. However, we know that before the entire program ends every student or SRU employee who wants to receive a H1N1 inoculation will receive one. It may just take time," she said.

As the clinic nears, the campus is urged to monitor the H1N1 listing under "Special Notes" on the SRU homepage: http://www.sru.edu. The Web site and campuswide e-mails will be used to distribute last minute information concerning the clinics.

The first, two-day inoculation clinic is for students only. Faculty, staff and auxiliary personnel will receive inoculations at a yet-to-be-determined clinic.

"Our first campus clinic will be in the University Union Multi-Purpose Room. The vaccinations, either nasal or a shot in the upper arm, will be available as supplies last from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," she said.

Students seeking the free H1N1 inoculation will be required to present their current ID and follow a series of steps, including being in good health on the day of vaccination.

"We can't emphasize enough that vaccine recipients must be in good health on the day of the vaccination. That means no fever or other health problem. Those exhibiting health problems will be turned away and asked to return at a future clinic," Chiprean said.

Students lining up for the shot should read both CDC information sheets available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf and http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-laiv-h1n1.pdf, Chiprean said.

The vaccine is being supplied through the Pennsylvania Department of Health with SRU designated as a "Mass Inoculation Site." It is unknown if the vaccine supply being sent to SRU will be for nasal delivery or through an actual shot.

"We are urging students who want the inoculation to be prepared for either method of delivery. Both are equally effective. If we are given the upper-arm injection vaccine, students will need to wear clothing that gives our nursing staff easy access to the injection site. We will be inoculating a large number of students and being prepared for the vaccination will go a long way in helping move the lines," Chiprean said.

Because of difficulties in the manufacture of the sufficient quantities of vaccine, a nationwide shortage has resulted. Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established guidelines and priorities for delivery of the vaccine with large student populations - such as SRU - near the top of the list.

As part of the on-campus process, students arriving at the clinic seeking the vaccination will be registered. Each intended recipient will be screened, then, if appropriate, administered the vaccine. Students will be required to remain in a holding area in the Multi-Purpose Room for 15 minutes following vaccination delivery to ensure no serious side effects are observed.

In addition to the H1N1 inoculation, Chiprean said standard seasonal flu shots for students who did not receive them during earlier clinics would be available when additional doses of that vaccine are received. Seasonal flu shots for students will be available at the Student Health Center.