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November 15, 2005
Avian flu fears raise vaccine questions
As collective fear of poultry increases, many question if the flu vaccine will be an available and worthwhile inoculation this year. For the most part, the answer to both questions is yes.
Last year, in the wake of a vaccine shortage, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) urged only those who were at high risk for contracting the flu to get vaccinated. This year, there is once again a vaccine shortage, but it seems to be temporary. Public health officials say that there will be enough vaccine to go around, but it won’t be available until early December.
“There are two different issues for flu vaccine here at Hamline,” said Barb Bester, Interim Director for Counseling and Health Services. “I still have vaccine for students, but we had to cancel our faculty and staff vaccination clinics.” At press time, these clinics have not yet been rescheduled. Bester hopes that rescheduling will be possible for December, when more vaccine will be available.
“It deeply bothers me that we are unable to offer vaccine for faculty and staff at this time,” Bester said.
“Hopefully this problem will be taken care of soon.” In the meantime, Cub Foods stores and Health Partners Clinics are both still offering vaccinations.
“I encourage students to come in and get vaccinated,” said Bester. “It’s especially important for students living in residence halls. They’re living in close quarters.” For students with Hamline health insurance, the shot is free. For those without, the shot is $15.
While vaccines to defend against the possible pandemic of avian flu will not be available until sometime next year, Bester said students should take care of themselves this winter.
“It’s important to wash hands, eat well, stay hydrated, and sleep adequately,” Bester said. “These are things that students don’t normally do so well, but they are important.”
Posted by msveum at November 15, 2005 11:55 AM
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