The University has received a substantial number of doses of the injectable H1N1 vaccine, and will distribute them at a clinic Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Busch Campus Center Multipurpose Room.
Additional clinics will be scheduled after the Thanksgiving break.
“The injectable vaccine is safe for most children over the age of 4 and most adults, including pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions,” said Executive Director for Rutgers-New Brunswick Health Services Melodee Lasky.
The State has advised Rutgers that it has an obligation to follow strict CDC guidelines when distributing vaccine, Lasky said in an e-mail to the University community. The vaccine will only be administered to people in the following at-risk groups:
* Faculty, staff, and students under the age of 24
* Health care and EMS personnel
* Children between the ages of 4 and 17 living in University housing
* People who live with or care for infants under age 6 months
* Pregnant women
* People age 25-64 who have serious medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
“Persons with a history of severe (life threatening) allergic reactions to eggs should not receive H1N1 vaccine,” Lasky said. “Instead they should contact their physician to discuss other options for preventing the flu.”
The vaccine is offered on a voluntary basis and is free of charge.
Students are asked to bring their University ID card to the clinic.
More information about the H1N1 vaccine is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
People with questions or concerns, may wish to consult their private physician, who can also administer the vaccine, Lasky said.
Influenza activity continues across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza illness.
“Rutgers' goal is to vaccinate all interested faculty, staff, and students who are in the priority groups,” Lasky said. “You can find more about H1N1 and Rutgers-specific information at http://h1n1.rutgers.edu.
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