College Health Services - Wheelock College

Harvard Vanguard Health Services for Wheelock College Students

Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Information

Updated January 15, 2010

Interested in getting an H1N1 vaccine?
Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services no longer has a supply of seasonal flu vaccine. We do, however, have a supply of H1N1 vaccine and are offering it to students. Due to a high incidence of H1N1 disease in individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 and the ease of H1N1 transmission in classrooms and on college campuses, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) have identified young adults in this age group as among the highest priority groups for receiving H1N1 vaccine.

An H1N1 flu vaccine clinic has been scheduled for Saturday, January 23 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm at Harvard Vanguard's Kenmore location.  A second H1N1 flu vaccine clinic is pending, with date/time/location to be determined. H1N1 vaccines will be by appointment only. To schedule your appointment for an H1N1 vaccine, please have your insurance information ready and call Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates at 1-800-249-1767 between 8:30am and 5:00pm. After your insurance and demographic information is verified, you will be able to book your appointment for the H1N1 shot. The H1N1 shot is free; the administration fee will be billed to your insurance company.  If your insurance company does not cover this fee, or if Harvard Vanguard does not have a contract with your insurer, you may be billed a nominal fee of $15.00. 

We have prepared the frequently asked questions below to help keep you informed. There are also helpful links to the CDC and other resources at the bottom of this page that provide information on preventing the spread of, and treating seasonal or H1N1 flu.

Is seasonal flu vaccine available to students?
At this time, we no longer have supply of seasonal flu vaccine.

Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against H1N1 virus?
No. H1N1 requires a separate vaccine. More information on this is provided below.

How do I know if I meet the CDC “high risk” criteria for H1N1 flu?
According to the CDC, anyone between the ages of 18 and 24 are considered high risk for H1N1 flu.

What if I have questions and want to talk to a health care professional about the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu?
Please call Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services at 617-989-4070. There is a medical professional available 24/7, or you can request to speak with your PCP.

What if I am experiencing flu-like symptoms?
Students should contact their PCP if you think you may have seasonal or H1N1 flu. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F [37.8 degrees C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is a change from the previous recommendation that ill persons stay at home for seven days after illness onset or until 24 hours after the resolution of symptoms. The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses, mass gatherings, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for influenza complications. Please be advised that The Boston Public Health Commission is advising students who attend school within the Boston city limits and are diagnosed with influenza that they need to refrain from all public activities including classes and extracurricular activities for four days after the onset of symptoms OR for 24 hours after resolution of fever - whichever is longer.

Tips for Avoiding the Flu and Colds


  • Clean your hands often
    Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, preparing food, or eating with unwashed hands
    Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact
    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  • Stay home when you are sick
    If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  • Cover your mouth and nose
    Cover your mouth and nose and cough or sneeze into your sleeve. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Additional Information

Please visit the websites below for more information about seasonal and H1N1 flu: