Influenza A (H1N1) Update: Vaccine is currently in short supply

11/05/2009 College of Engineering

In a November 4th email message from Dr. Robert Ernst, Medical Director for the University Health Service, it was noted that H1N1 vaccine is currently in short supply. While UHS anticipates that eventually they will have enough vaccine doses to hold student vaccine clinics, right now vaccination efforts are being focused on those in higher risk groups, which include:

pregnant women
those between ages 4 and 65 with weakened immune systems or other chronic medical conditions (see the CDC website for more information on this)
those who care for or live with infants younger than 6 months of age
health care and emergency personnel who are in direct contact with patients

Where to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available:

Students: University Health Service will offer the vaccine to all currently enrolled students at free vaccination clinics. Details will be available once an adequate supply of vaccine arrives.
Faculty and Staff: If you do not work for the health system, check first with your primary care provider--your regular doctor's office. If you usually go to the UHS, check there for information about vaccination clinics. Also check the Washtenaw County health department for information about their vaccination clinics.
U-M Hospital Staff and Patients: At the U-M Health System. Check with them for more information as it becomes available.

Seasonal flu vaccine is also currently in short supply, but more is expected soon.

Most importantly, try to stay healthy. Simple but important steps to stay healthy include:

Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately.
Avoid touching your face with your hands.
Avoid close contact with those who are ill.

While there are a number of cases of flu at U-M, so far the number remains manageable and we continue to operate normally. Of course, university experts in influenza will continue to collaborate with local, state and federal health officials and be prepared to follow any new recommendations.

However, here are some important things to keep in mind should you become ill.

What to do if you become ill with the flu

Stay home when ill: That’s the advice for students, faculty and staff who become ill with the flu. Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat. Those who become ill with the flu should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-lowering medication.

Student Flu Reporting:

It is each student's responsibility to notify ALL instructors should you become ill.

In addition, we would like to collect voluntary information on how many students get flu-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat) this season. Please complete this form to let us know should you become ill. This form does NOT replace your responsibility as a student to notify your instructors should you become ill and need to miss class. It is strictly for review and data collection purposes.

Additional Steps For Students:

Identify another student at the start of term who can take notes for you, should you become sick and miss class.
Students are responsible for:
- Notifying ALL instructors should you become ill
- Making up all the work in the class:
  - If you miss deadlines or exams because you are ill, you should be given penalty-free ways to make up work
  - It is your responsibility to work with your instructors in determining appropriate ways to make up work
Be aware that the Provost’s office has indicated that current policies and procedures regarding dropping classes will NOT be changed
- Contact your academic advisors for information on drop/add deadlines (dropping classes can have many unexpected effects and costs, and is not an automatic)
If you have concerns regarding your academic situation, you should contact your academic advisor
If you have other serious concerns or are in need of additional assistance, please contact Angela Farrehi in the Office Student Affairs (afarrehi@umich.edu or 734-615-1405). Alternatively, you may also contact the Dean of Students office (734-764-7420).

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow (not your hands). Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Practice good health habits

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, manage your stress and eat nutritious foods.

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The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At more than $130 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Michigan Engineering's premier scholarship, international scale and multidisciplinary scope combine to create The Michigan Difference. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.

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