A limited number of H1N1 vaccinations are now available for faculty and staff at Humboldt State University’s Student Health Center.
The free shot are available this week on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Center’s regular hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students who did not take advantage of earlier vaccination clinics on campus can also get the shot.
These vaccinations will be by injection only; the campus did not receive nasal spray vaccine.
In addition, the Health Center is advising campus employees that a public vaccination clinic will be held Saturday, December 19 at Redwood Acres in Eureka from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ages are now eligible for vaccinations, and additional public clinics are expected. All immunizations are free.
The H1N1 vaccination is administered as a single dose, except for those 10 and younger. It protects only against H1N1, not seasonal flu, which requires a different vaccination.
HSU’s Student Health Center has been working since the start of the fall semester to promote precautions for staying healthy, which include frequent and thorough hand washing, coughing and sneezing into sleeves and avoiding contact with anyone who is ill.
Students and others who suspect they have contracted influenza should stay at home until the fever has subsided for at least 24 hours without medicine to keep the fever down. Individuals should call their medical provider if they need additional advice. In most cases, nationwide and locally, people suffer from a few days of illness and recover uneventfully.
However, the H1N1 flu can affect some individuals rapidly and severely. Some have become quite ill with pneumonia following their initial illness. Sick individuals should seek medical care if they do not start feeling better after three to four days, or any time they become suddenly worse.
Those with certain underlying health conditions might be at especially high risk. These include pregnancy, cancer, blood disorders (including sickle cell disease), chronic lung disease (including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders and neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord), neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis) and weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).
Those with these pre-existing conditions who become sick with the flu should call or visit their medical provider early in their illness to be assessed for possible anti-viral medication.
For current information about H1N1 and the vaccination, visit www.flu.gov. Updated campus news and information about H1N1 is available a www.humboldt.edu/flu.