Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

26 November 2009

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has just expanded the criteria for those who may receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine at designated weekend Department of Health (DOH) clinics in New York City.

The DOH has now made the vaccine available for:

• those under 24 years old
• anyone who is pregnant
  
• anyone in close contact with newborns
  
• people age 25 to 64 with a medical condition at risk for flu complications* 

*These conditions include asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung conditions, kidney failure, or a weakened immune system. (It is not necessary to bring a physician note documenting a chronic health condition or a prescription for the vaccine.)

If you are concerned about the H1N1 flu and identify with one or more of the above priority groups, we recommend getting a free H1N1 vaccine at one of the Department of Health's clinics in the five boroughs of New York City. These clinics will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information on the H1N1 vaccine in New York City, please see the below messages from Health Services:

• 11/13/09 Email to Undergraduate Students
• 11/13/09 Email to Morningside Faculty, Staff and Graduate Students
  

If you are interested in receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, which is recommended for those who may be at risk for complications of flu-like illness, please check out the following for more information about the seasonal flu vaccine:  

Morningside - Health Services continues to host Seasonal Flu Shot Fairs (please visit the Health Services website for dates, times and locations). CUMC – Seasonal flu vaccine is available for students in Student Health Services and for faculty and staff in Workforce Health & Safety.

We continue to monitor the swine influenza A(H1N1) situation closely and urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice preventive hygiene efforts to limit the spread of disease.

If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your health care provider for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend staying home from work, school,  public events and large gatherings (self-isolation) to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others. 

The CDC recommends that you remain in your residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever. (Note: It is most accurate to check your temperature after you have discontinued the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin.)

Columbia’s response to H1N1 has been ongoing since the initial outbreak in the spring. Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.

The University continues to take steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by preparing contingency plans; updating this informational website regularly; and posting educational fliers throughout campus.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Email to undergraduates in CC, SEAS and GS - 8/26/09
• Letter to parents of undergraduates in CC and SEAS - 8/26/09
• Email to all CU staff - 9/4/09
• FAQ for Managers from HR
  
• the CDC web page about the investigation
• the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• the World Health Organization page on H1N1 flu
• New York Times Op-Ed, Nothing to Fear but the Flu Itself, about the H1N1 vaccine

Here are some educational fliers for your use:

• Columbia "Cover Your Cough"
• "Myths About Flu: Get the Facts" fact sheet
• CDC “Hand Hygiene”
• CDC "Put Your Hands Together" (Video)

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