UPDATED 11/17/09 -- Since mid-October, the University has seen a significant increase in the number of reported incidents of influenza-like illness. This increase is consistent with other local institutions of higher education as well as the overall flu infection rate in the City of Philadelphia. Given this increase, it is especially important for all campus community members to take full advantage of the preventative health strategies previously noted, including good sanitary practices (hand wash and sleeve coughing), self-isolation when sick, and most importantly, participation in the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination campaigns on campus.
In two recent clinics, the University has provided 1,100 individuals in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) at-risk groups with the opportunity to receive the vaccine. The H1N1 program has marshaled the resources of numerous campus departments including trained faculty from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy who administered the shots. Student volunteers were also crucial to the success of the event through their promotional efforts to encourage their peers to receive the vaccine as well as their assistance on-site.
Further information regarding H1N1 vaccination clinic dates, times and locations will be distributed once additional vaccine supplies are released to the University. University representatives continue to work directly with the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Division of Disease Control (PDPHDDC) in H1N1 preparedness and facilitating an H1N1 vaccination program for individuals who are considered at higher risk for influenza or influenza-related complications.
A separate, but equally important, seasonal flu program was recently completed, leading to 544 individuals (306 students and 238 faculty/staff) being vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
To date, the University has taken numerous steps to keep our community as healthy as possible:
- The University published and is following best practice guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and the PDPHDDC
- Hand sanitizer stations have been placed in key high traffic areas around campus to support good health hygiene
- In addition to H1N1 vaccinations, the University will be hosting a seasonal flu vaccination program for all students, faculty, and staff
- University officials and clinicians continue to work closely with the PDPHDDC in regard to H1N1 vaccination planning
Please check the Emergency Information Website on a regular basis to ensure that you have the most up to date information as it becomes available. Visit:
http://www.emergency.usp.edu.