Vaccinations
The best way to protect against flu is to get a flu shot. Immunization is especially important if you are in one of the high risk groups.
It is important to get immunized against both seasonal flu and H1N1. Getting a seasonal shot won't protect you from H1N1, and the H1N1 shot won't keep you from getting seasonal flu.
Seasonal flu shots are available now.
An H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October. The latest word from the CDC is that, for most adults and most children 8 or older, one H1N1 shot will protect them from H1N1, and should be effective eight to 10 days following inoculation.
You need to wait 28 days between each shot. Because the seasonal flu shot is available now, and the H1N1 vaccine won't be available until mid-October at the earliest, you are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine now.
If there are limited supplies of the H1N1 vaccine available, initial immunization efforts will target high-risk groups first.
If you are pregnant, or are 18 to 24 years old, or have health issues (asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, etc.), or are a health-care worker or have high contact with these populations, you may be at higher risk to contract H1N1 flu or to experience more serious complications. You are especially encouraged to get inoculated for both seasonal and H1N1 strains of the flu virus, and to follow recommended treatment guidelines if you become symptomatic.
Children 6 months through 18 years of age, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes), and everyone age 50 and older should be vaccinated against seasonal flu as early as possible.
- CDC info on vaccines [pdf]
Where to get vaccines
Seasonal flu shots are available from local health providers and at select retail stores. Go to the American Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator for a list of places near you that provide seasonal flu shots.
H1N1 Campus Flu Vaccine Clinic Update – 10/30/2009
As you may have heard or seen in the media, shipment of H1N1 vaccine has been delayed due to slower-than-expected production. It now appears likely that sufficient quantities of vaccine will not be available before late November to early December. We are working with local health authorities and the Seattle campus to coordinate a clinic at the earliest possible date. At this time, we are suspending plans for the clinic on Nov. 17 and 18. Once we have confirmation of vaccine availability and can confirm dates for the clinic, we will provide information about days/times/location, and other information regarding our plan for immunizing the campus community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Pierce County Health guidelines allow us to make the vaccine available to the following groups:
- Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Anyone 25 to 64 years of age with a weakened immune system or certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and some neurological disorders
- Anyone who lives with or cares for infants younger than 6 months of age
Fees for vaccination will be as follows:
- Students – no cost (fee will be covered by Division of Student Affairs)
- Dependents, faculty and staff members, and other UW Tacoma community members in above groups – $10
We encourage all members of the campus community who fit within these categories to plan to get vaccinated against H1N1, either through their healthcare providers or at our scheduled flu clinics. H1N1 flu shots should be readily available through healthcare providers to all other groups, including healthy adults 25 and older, once supplies of vaccine increase.
