SHSU Re-Directs Flu Vaccine Supplies

Sam Houston State University is following recommendations by the United States Center for Disease Control that only those in identified high risk groups receive flu vaccine because of vaccine supply shortages.

"A large majority our university’s population does not fall into the high risk groups," said Keith Lott, director of the student health center. "Therefore, the decision has been made to release our unused flu vaccine to the local medical community. This will allow local healthcare providers to administer the vaccine to persons in the high risk groups and potentially save lives."

Lott said that the student health center now has 400 doses of the vaccine to administer to students and employees that fall into the high risk categories, and the university plans to release a shipment of approximately 400 doses that it has not yet received as well as any unused portion of its present supply. Those considered to be high risk include:

• People 65 years of age and older;
  
• Children ages 6 months to 23 months;
  
• Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic lung or heart disorders including heart disease and asthma;
  
• Pregnant women;
  
• Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS;
  
• Children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years of age, who take aspirin daily;
  
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
  
• Household members and out-of-home caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months (Children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated.);
  
• Healthcare workers who provide direct, hands-on care to patients;
  

The vaccine for students and employees meeting the high risk criteria will be available at the student health center on a first come, first served basis on the following schedule:

Last Name-- A - M Tuesday, Oct., 19, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Last Name N – Z Wednesday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.

Lott asked that those needing vaccine bring identification when they come to receive their inoculation.

He said that the health center will continue to offer the vaccine to those identified as high risk after these dates as long as the 400 dose supply lasts.

"I would like to thank all of those at Sam Houston State who would otherwise have received flu vaccine for their understanding in this situation," said Lott. "Relinquishing the vaccine to those who are most at risk is simply the right thing to do."

Lott encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to visit the Center for Disease Control’s Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/0405shortage.htm for additional information regarding this year’s flu vaccine supply as well as other ways to reduce your chances of contracting Influenza.

Questions regarding the vaccine administration at the student health center can be directed to 936.294.1805.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Oct. 15, 2004
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