Campus flu clinic cancelled

Oct. 21, 2004
By Phil Lineburg
Staff Writer

The St Ambrose University Flu Clinic has been canceled because of the national influenza vaccine shortage.  On Oct. 5, Chiron Corp., a British pharmaceutical firm that is one of the two sources for the U.S. supply, confirmed that they would not be able to produce the vaccine.

The British equivalent of the Food & Drug Administration pulled Chiron's license and required the factory to shut down.  The closure has left local and national health officials scrambling to meet the needs of high-risk patients, let alone the public-at-large.

Health officials made the decision that all individuals not in a high-risk category should forego the flu shot.  In most cases, a typical student would not be a high-risk patient.

If the student has children, or works with children from 6 - 23 months old, they should consider getting the flu shot.  Women should too, if they become pregnant during the flu season.   Students who have other serious health issues should contact their doctor to see if the flu shot is appropriate for them.

In the absence of the vaccine, individuals need to take a greater responsibility for their own health, as well as for those around them.  Nancy Hines, Director of Health Services, suggests cleaning areas that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and counter tops.

“If the student feels ill, that could possibly be related to the flu, we encourage them to stay home from work or school, so they help slow the spread of the disease,” Hines said.

Hines also suggest students take care to wash their hands frequently and often, with soap and hot water for at least 15 seconds.  She also recommends eating properly and getting plenty of rest.

The Health Services web page, at web.sau.edu/healthservices, has links to information on the flu, as well other services like student health insurance.  The Health Services' office is located on the 2nd floor of the Rogalski Center. Services are available to students, faculty and staff free of charge.

Back to the NEWS-PAGE or "The Buzz" HOMEPAGE