Distribution of H1N1 vaccinations continues Thursday

The Campus Health Center will continue its H1N1 vaccination clinic for priority groups on Thursday, November 5, beginning at 9 a.m. Supplies are very limited. The vaccine is being made available consistent with the protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Ottawa County Health Department. Priority recipients include:
• pregnant women
• caregivers and those who live in households with children younger than 6 months of age
• people 6 months through 24 years old
• people 25-64 who have health conditions associated with a greater risk of medical complications from influenza.

Vaccinations take about two weeks to become effective. Medical professionals advise continuing routine precautions and taking extra precautions against the flu, including washing hands frequently. Tamiflu is no longer recommended for those with early symptoms or who may have been in contact with someone with the flu.

Grand Valley students, faculty and staff members are asked to stay informed about the H1N1 virus, its symptoms (fever, cough, aches, sore throat and fatigue) and to take precautions to stay healthy, as outlined below:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if you have flu symptoms

More information about the outbreak can be found on the CDC Web site, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, and on Grand Valley’s emergency preparedness site, www.gvsu.edu/emergency.