Swine Flu ( H1N1) Update

To: Members of the Wellesley College Community

From: Wellesley College Health Service

Date: November 18, 2009

Re: Update on H1N1 Influenza Vaccination

The Wellesley College Health Service has begun to receive H1N1 vaccine through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for vaccinating students. As has been anticipated, the supply of intranasal and injectable vaccine that has been sent to us is limited. Although we expect to continue to receive shipments of vaccine, each shipment will have a limited supply of vaccine. We are not able to predict how much and which formulation will be sent.

Our vaccine distribution plan will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. This has direct implications regarding which formulations are suitable for administration. The intranasal spray cannot be administered to those who are at highest risk for complications if they have underlying medical conditions. Those with underlying medical conditions are only candidates for the injectable formulation. We are asking for the community’s patience as we work diligently to immunize those at highest risk based upon the injectable vaccine allotment we have been sent. Additionally, we will distribute the intranasal vaccine supply that we have been sent to those who do not have underlying medical conditions.

We recognize that the demand for vaccine is greater than the current supply. Students at highest risk of complications from H1N1 influenza are being invited for vaccination via a note from the Health Service. This group includes students who have underlying medical conditions or are pregnant. If you are pregnant, live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, or have an underlying medical condition but have not been contacted directly, please contact the Health Service at x2810 to ensure that we have you on our high priority list.

On Friday, November 20, from 10 am to 4 pm in the Health Service, we will begin to vaccinate the students who do not have high risk of complications. As it becomes available, we expect to administer vaccine in additional scheduled vaccination clinics on a first come, first served basis. Postings regarding these clinics will be made to Official Announcements.

For more information regarding H1N1 vaccination, please visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Web site at http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/.