PLYMOUTH, N.H.-
Plymouth State University has initiated a series of flu vaccine clinics for students in preparation for seasonal flu season. Nearly 100 students received free seasonal flu vaccinations Thursday, Oct. 1, in the first clinic provided by the University’s Health Services Center and more clinics are being scheduled to accommodate student demand. PSU Environmental Health and Safety Manager Tammy Hill said the University has experienced a handful of flu cases and all necessary precautions are being taken to protect students, staff and faculty from flu-like illnesses.
“The staffs from Residential Life and Student Affairs work with the ill students to make sure they have what they need to quickly and safely recuperate in a way that will not adversely affect the healthy students,” Hill said.
So far this year, the University’s experience with the flu appears to be similar to that across the state. In New Hampshire, state Public Health officials currently are reporting regional flu activity, as are most New England states.
The flu shots currently being offered by PSU are a vaccine for seasonal flu, which is prepared each season against new variations of the seasonal influenza. The vaccine for the H1N1 influenza strain is due to be released shortly, although it will likely not be until the end of October or later before it is made available to the general student population. Students that have medical risk factors for the flu that would allow for earlier vaccination against H1N1 are urged to contact their own health care provider or University Health Services for guidance.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control is reporting that visits to doctors for flu-like illnesses are increasing and have been for the last several weeks. However, the current H1N1 strain remains one that most otherwise healthy individuals can recover from with limited or no medical interventions.
On a local level, last week PSU hosted a training session for Regional Health Officers and Emergency Management Directors regarding preparing for large scale public health emergencies, outbreaks and mass vaccination clinics. With this training, and other recent activities, PSU continues to maintain an active role in the Regional Public Health planning process.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
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