Parents

As part of our ongoing flu prevention and response effort, the university is encouraging all PLU students to be vaccinated for H1N1 flu this fall. We hope that you will assist us by discussing with your student the importance of getting a flu vaccination. For their convenience, any PLU student age 18 through 24 may receive the H1N1 vaccine on campus at the times and locations listed below. The distribution of the vaccine is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 and can be paid through the student account only.

Dates and times are contingent on vaccine availability. If necessary, notice of cancellation will be posted on our flu website. More dates will be scheduled as vaccine is available.

Thursday, November 5
University Center, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Harstad Hall, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that vaccination efforts should focus first on people in five target groups who are at higher risk for H1N1 influenza. Among these groups are people six months through 24 years of age - covering the ages of almost all PLU students.

Also according to the CDC, individuals at increased risk of complications if they get sick from influenza are those with:
Cancer
Blood disorders, including sickle cell disease
Chronic lung disease, including asthma
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Neurological disorders
Neuromuscular disorders
Weakened immune systems

If your student falls into one of the groups above, please have her or him call the Health Center: 253-535-7337.

According to Dr. James C. Turner, president of the American College Health Association now is the time to get an H1N1 flu shot. In mid-October he said:
"Waves of inluenza-like illness appear to occur in local and regional areas over a six to seven week time interval. Many outbreaks will have waned significantly by the time H1N1 vaccine becomes widely available. Therefore, the next two to three months represent a critical period for achieving high rates of vaccination among college students before the next wave starts this winter."

For more information on flu prevention and response visit the PLU flu website.

For more information on the H1N1 vaccine visit the Centers for Disease Control H1N1 vaccine website.
 

Questions?
Flu Preparedness and Response
253-535-7121
fiop@plu.edu