H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine update
Some of the information in this document has been superceded by newer information. Please check http://news.uchicago.edu/btn/swineflu.php for the latest updates.
October 16, 2009
The first doses of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine have begun to make their way into the Chicago area, but the timing of widespread availability of the vaccine at the University of Chicago and other sites remains unpredictable.
Distribution is controlled by national, state and local public health authorities, whose priority is to get a safe vaccine to the most vulnerable populations as quickly as possible. The Centers for Disease Control predicts that eventually anybody who wants the vaccine will receive it, but due to production constraints, initial deliveries will be limited.
Like all other vaccine recipient sites around Chicago and the nation, the University will not know for sure how much vaccine it can offer until each new batch arrives.
When the first batch large enough for widespread distribution arrives at the University, vaccination clinics will be organized. Information about times, locations and eligibility will be disseminated through a variety of channels, including this website, campus-wide emails and signs at vaccination sites. We expect vaccination clinics to begin roughly five days after vaccine arrives on campus.
Please remember that the first vaccine doses must go to the most vulnerable populations. We do not choose those categories; we receive the vaccine only by agreeing to follow federal guidelines, which are elaborated here. In order to determine who is eligible, we will ask individuals to fill out a form before vaccination, and follow instructions given by health professionals on site. We ask for your honesty and patience to help us ensure that those in greatest need receive the vaccine.
We do not intend to make the vaccine available through regular appointments at the Student Care Center. Please take advantage of the vaccination clinics when they begin — it is the best use of your time and of our health care providers’ capacity.
The good news is that as of Oct. 15, no clusters of flulike illness have been identified in University housing, and no other evidence suggests any widespread outbreak among the campus community. In order to help keep it that way, we ask everybody to continue following the common sense guidelines for staying healthy, available on this website and elsewhere, and to get vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu when possible.