Know before you go – Flu Vaccine Info

H1N1 FLU VACCINE Q & A

Q: Is there more than one type of vaccine?

A: Yes, one is given via a nasal mist spray and the other is given in the arm by injection.

Q: Who should get the vaccine?

A: (1) The nasal mist spray is given only to the HEALTHY

??? if you are between the ages of 2-24

??? between the ages of 25-49 if you care for infants younger than 6 months

??? health care and emergency personnel

You CAN NOT receive the nasal mist spray if you are pregnant, have chronic medical conditions, have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, or have had Guillain Barre Syndrome.

(2) The flu injection is recommended for:

??? anyone between the ages of 6mo. – 24yrs.

??? pregnant women

??? people who live with or care for infants under 6 months

??? health care and emergency personnel

??? anyone between the ages of 25 – 64yrs with chronic medical conditions

Healthy 25-64 year olds and adults 65 years and older should receive the vaccine as more vaccine becomes available.

Q: How many doses are necessary?

A: If you are 10 years and older you only need one dose.

Q: Is the vaccine safe?

A: Yes, it is. The vaccine has been approved by the FDA and it has been widely tested. Side effects have been limited to the usual soreness and redness around the injection site as you would see with any injection. Getting the vaccine is much safer than getting the flu.

Q: If I got the seasonal flu vaccine, do I still need to get the H1N1 vaccine?

A: Yes. The two different vaccines treat two different strains of flu. It is safe to receive both vaccines.

Q: I already had the flu, do I still need the vaccine?

A: Yes. Many colds and flu-like illnesses circulate. Unless you were specifically tested for the H1N1 virus (your doctor took a nasal or throat swab and sent it to a lab to be tested) and confirmed that it was H1N1, you can’t be sure that’s what you had. Therefore, get the vaccine. It’s perfectly safe to get the vaccine even if you had the flu.

Q: What if I don’t get the vaccine?

A: Then you will remain vulnerable to catching the virus, and if you do catch the virus, you may infect others who didn’t get the vaccine.

Q: When will the vaccine be available at SHU?

A: We have requested 6,000 vaccines and should receive the first batch within the next few weeks. At this time it is unclear which type of vaccine we will receive. Following CDC guidelines, we will make the vaccine available to those most at-risk first. After that we will spread out the vaccine clinic times based upon availability and patient flow – we don’t want you to have to stand in line for a long time. Watch your email, check the web site, or follow us on Facebook for details about clinic times as they become available.

Q: How much does the vaccine cost?

A: If you get the vaccine on campus, there is no charge.

Q: What else should I know?

A: For more detail, visit the following sites:

www.shu.edu

http://www.shu.edu/offices/health-services-index.cfm

www.cdc.gov 10/09 – Health Services

Be Prepared for Flu Season

HRL wants to help keep you healthy! As they say – the best of offense is a good defense. Your best preparation for flu season is to avoid contracting the flu.

To learn how, check out the FB group Stop the Flu at SHU and review this quick Flu Facts sheet from Health ServicesFLU FACTS 09 (2).pdf.

Watch for announcements for the Flu Vaccine clinic offered by Seton Hall. For a small fee ($30 to your student account) you can be vaccinated against seasonal flu. It is scheduled for September 17th from 1pm -7pm in the Main Lounge of the University Center

Quick tips to reduce your chances of contracting the flu:

Sneeze or cough into your sleeve – here’s what happens when you don’t!

Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water or use hand sanitizers.

Keep your distance from anyone who is sick

Additional steps you can take include:

Prepare your “Flu Pack”. You should include a thermometer (since you’ll need to check your temperature if you believe you have the flu), Tylenol (to take to reduce fever) and extra liquids for hydration (like Gatorade).

Get vaccinated.

If you do get sick, try to go home to recuperate. If that isn’t an option, choose a buddy to help you stay fed and hydrated in the event you get sick. Plan to do the same for them, if they get sick.

If you’re displaying symptoms you should:

Save your energy and reduce the spread of the virus by calling your health care provider or Student Health Services at 973-761-9175. In most cases, visiting their office isn’t necessary since symptoms and treatment can be discussed over the phone.

Check your temperature, hydrate, rest and stay away from other people until your temperature is gone for 24 hours without needing tylenol. Don’t leave home or go to class or work until you are 24 hours fever free without tylenol.