USF St. Petersburg Response
Update 11/13/2009
The Center for Counseling, Health & Wellness has been in recent contact with the Pinellas County Health Department. The health department is experiencing delays with obtaining the vaccine. However, their plan is to serve the college population in early December once their supplies are adequate. USF St Petersburg will collaborate with the health department to come to campus so that our student population (ages 18-24) can have access to the vaccine. Please continue to check this Web site for further updates.
If you would prefer to not wait or to seek services elsewhere, we were informed that local clinics and pharmacies are beginning to obtain the vaccine and are available to provide vaccinations. Please see individual locations for pricing.
H1N1 (swine) influenza has made rapid progress globally since its recognition in April 2009. The 2009 influenza has spread internationally with unprecedented speed. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level to 6 indicating a global pandemic.
This new virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The Pinellas County Health Department has advised the medical community that “almost all influenza-like illness that you see in your practice is likely to be due to the novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus.” As the media has reported, this influenza has been spreading worldwide yet remains a relatively mild illness at this time. With the advent and progression of this disease process on campus, USF St. Petersburg wishes to review the measures we all can utilize to keep ourselves healthy. The USF St. Petersburg administration and the Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness are working closely with the Pinellas County Health Department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. We continue to closely monitor the situation to prepare for any necessary change in action.
USF St. Petersburg does not have an on-campus medical facility. However, if you have concerns about your health, consult your primary care physician or seek assistance from the local health care providers listed in the left column on this web page. |
