College Health Services - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy

Harvard Vanguard Health Services at Wentworth Institute of Technology for Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Students

Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu Information

Updated November 6, 2009

New Process for MCPHS Students with Flu Like Symptoms

Starting Monday, November 9th if you have flu like symptoms (fever combined with aches, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea) please follow these steps:

    1. Call Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services at 617.989.4070. In accordance with CDC recommendations, a Student Health Services clinician will complete a comprehensive phone screening.
    2. If a Student Health Services clinician diagnoses you with flu like symptoms, follow the instructions of the Student Health Services clinician. A decision will be made as to whether or not you should come to Student Health Services for a medical appointment.

      *Please note that a residence hall student diagnosed with Flu like symptoms should contact the Office of Public Safety (617-732-2900). You will be referred to a Residence Life Professional.

    3. You must then contact Academic Support Services (617-732-2860) within 5 days of your first absence. This is required in order to receive an excused absence.
    4. You will need to remain out of class and in isolation until you are fever-free (without the aid of Fever Reducing Medication) for 24 hours.
    5. You must receive medical clearance by Student Health Services. This clearance will be done in a medical appointment at Student Health Services and documentation must be delivered to Academic Support Services (White 110) before you can return to class.

Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services is offering seasonal flu vaccine for students who are designated “high risk” by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We will also offer 2009 H1N1 vaccine to students once it is available (ages 19-24 are considered high risk by the CDC for 2009 H1N1 flu).

We have prepared the frequently asked questions below to help keep you informed on updates around flu shot options. 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 2009 H1N1 flu.

Please check this web page frequently for updates on flu vaccine availability for students. Students or family members are encouraged to call Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services at 617-989-4070 with any questions at anytime.

Will seasonal flu vaccine be available to students?
In following CDC recommendations, Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services will provide seasonal flu vaccine to students who are considered “high risk”. The high risk criteria provided by the CDC appears below. Please call Student Health Services at Watson Hall on Wentworth campusat 617-989-4070 to schedule an appointment.

Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against 2009 H1N1 virus?
No. H1N1 requires a separate vaccine. More information on this is provided below.

Do I need to be a registered patient with Harvard Vanguard to receive a flu shot?
Yes. Students should pre-register with Harvard Vanguard by calling 617-989-4070. Please have your health insurance information available.

How do I know if I meet the CDC “high risk” criteria for seasonal flu?
If you have any of the chronic conditions below you are considered high risk by the CDC, and thus you should receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

  • Pulmonary disease, including asthma
  • Cardiovascular disease, except isolated hypertension
  • Active malignancy
  • Chronic renal insufficiency
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease
  • Immunosuppression, including HIV infection (particularly if CD4 <200 cells/microL), organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, inflammatory disorders treated with immunosuppressants
  • Adults who have any neurologic condition that can compromise handling of respiratory secretions (eg, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, neuromuscular disorders).
  • Pregnant women
  • If you work in Healthcare

How do I know if I meet the CDC “high risk” criteria for 2009 H1N1 flu?
According to the CDC, anyone between the ages of 19 and 24 are considered high risk for 2009 H1N1 flu.

Are there other options for getting the seasonal flu shot if I am not high risk?
Students are encouraged to consult with their PCP to determine if a flu shot is indicated and, if so, where they might go to receive a flu shot.

Will Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services offer students the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
Yes. Following CDC recommendations that anyone ages 6 months to 24 years old should receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccination, Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services plans to administer the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to students later in the fall.

When will the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be available?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health plans to distribute the vaccine in November. Please check this website for updates on 2009 H1N1 vaccine appointment options.

What if I have questions and want to talk to a health care professional about the seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1?
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 2009 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: