H1N1 Influenza Update
Nov. 18, 2009Binghamton University continues to monitor the H1N1 Influenza outbreak and is receiving some of the vaccine it has ordered. The New York State Health Department is no longer providing testing and has shifted its focus to surveillance. In addition, the provost has asked faculty to be accommodating of those students who fall ill by modifying their attendance procedures if they normally require written verification of illnesses.
The University has received a small supply of both the injectable and nasal H1N1 vaccine and has scheduled a clinic for students from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in the UU-Mandela Room. The vaccine will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is exhausted. Students are encouraged to arrive early for the clinic and are reminded that they need a photo/signature ID and a signed consent form to receive the vaccine. Additional clinics will be scheduled depending upon how much vaccine is received each week. Students will be notified of future clinics.
Good health habits such as self-isolation when symptoms occur, hand washing, and covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing are very important. With incidents of the disease likely to affect students, faculty and staff over many weeks, faculty are encouraged to consider ways that students can complete their work at any time during the semester either online or through e-mail.
Students are encouraged to call University Health Service at 607-777-2221 and report if they develop a fever or are concerned whether they are ill with 2009 H1N1 Influenza.
H1N1 — Swine Flu Virus Update
Free H1N1 flu immunization clinics were held October 26-28 and Nov. 3. Additional clinics will be scheduled as necessary, dependent upon vaccine supply. Any upcoming clinics will be publicized on B-line and this update page.
If this year’s flu season becomes more severe, additional steps may be needed to prevent the spread of the virus. These steps will be communicated to students, faculty and staff as necessary.
All students have access to flu stations in the resident assistant offices of their residence halls. From 8 p.m. to midnight each day, students can get alcohol wipes, tempa dots to check for fever, tissue packs, refills for hand sanitizer and masks to prevent the spread of germs.
Students are encouraged to visit University Health Service if they are ill; Health Service is open Monday through Friday. Walk-in care is provided from 8 to 11 a.m. and appointments are available from 1 to 3:45 p.m. For more information, visit the University Health Service website or call 607.777.2221.
If you or your student is participating in a study-abroad program, contact the Office of International Programs at 607.777.2336 for additional information. You may also visit the Centers for Disease Control travel page for health information for students studying abroad.
For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1.800.CDC.INFO (1.800.232.4636).
We will communicate updates or changes in status or strategies to prevent the spread of flu on campus as necessary via this website, as well as through Dateline and B-line, text messaging, Facebook, electronic message boards, campus cable, voicemail and the BU Alert Line (607.777.7700).
