Harvard Vanguard
Health Services for Wentworth Students
Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu Information
Updated November 5, 2009
New Process for Students with Flu Like Symptoms
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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. 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 campus at 617-989-4070 to schedule an appointment.
Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against 2009 H1N1 virus?
No. 2009 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.
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:
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health Booklet "Flu-What can I do? Flu care at Home"
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health 2009 H1N1 website: http://www.mass.gov
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 2009 H1N1 Influenza website: http://www.cdc.gov
- World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 H1N1 Influenza website: http://www.who.int
- Boston Public Health Commission http://www.bphc.org/Pages/Home.aspx