Due to the limited amount of H1N1 flu serum provided to
Eastern Michigan University, the Snow Health Center staff
has instituted several procedures to deal with the vaccination
shortage.
At this time, only EMU patients considered at high risk
will be vaccinated. This includes pregnant women, persons
with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma,
health care workers, first responders, and those who live
with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age.
High-risk patients are asked to go to the vaccination
clinic Wednesday, Oct. 28; or Thursday, Oct. 29, 4-7:30
p.m., in the lower level of Snow Health Center. The clinic
is accessible through the north door, which faces the parking
lot.
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Gold |
Those at high risk who are unable to make the clinic hours
should call Snow Health Center at 487-1122 to schedule
an appointment, provided the serum is still available.
According to an update from the Washtenaw County Health
Department, the county's vaccine supply is currently about
30 percent of what was expected at this date. Limited amounts
of nasal spray (FluMist) and multi-dose vials of flu shots
are being allotted to the county on a weekly basis.
Ellen Gold, executive director of University Health Services,
said EMU should receive more doses in the next several
weeks.
"We requested a few thousand doses, but only received
200, because the vendors are behind in manufacturing and
distribution," she said. "When we get more doses, we'll
send out an announcement and schedule additional clinics."
Gold says President Obama's declaration that the H1N1
flu virus is a national emergency doesn't mean that people
should panic.
"The President's announcement is intended to make it easier
for hospitals and emergency rooms to bypass the red tape
for setting up separate vaccination clinics," said Gold. "This
will allow hospitals to speed up treatment without disrupting
regular emergency room visits."
Gold said that people might want to call their family
doctor to see if the H1N1 vaccine is available. If not,
it might be available at your local county health department.
Washtenaw County, at its clinics, is limiting its vaccine
to pregnant women; children 6 months to 4 years old; those
living with children 6 months old or younger; children
5 to 18 years old with conditions such as asthma, and EMS
and health care workers with direct patient contact.
Area health departments can be reached at the following:
Oakland: (800) 434-3358
Macomb: (586) 466-7923
Wayne: (734) 727-7163
Livingston: (517) 546-9850
"We appreciate everyone's patience and willingness to
work with us on this issue," said Gold. "We will keep you
informed as more vaccine becomes available. I'd like to
thank members of the campus community for their understanding."
