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November 12, 2009

Geneva has received a substantial, albeit limited, supply (500 doses) of the inactivated (injection-type) H1N1 Influenza vaccine. Click here for the official description of the vaccine from the CDC. You may also find more information at the CDC web site.

We are currently planning a general distribution for this coming Friday (as it happens, Friday the 13th). In the meantime, persons in the Geneva community who are (1) pregnant or who think that they might be pregnant, (2) who desire to have the vaccine, and (3) have at least verbal permission from their personal obstetrician may report to the infirmary anytime tomorrow (Thursday) between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive the vaccine. All three of these criteria must be met.

On Friday, we will begin distributing the vaccine to students and employees according to the following plan in Skye Lounge.

• 7:30 – 8 a.m.  Persons at higher risk who are between the ages of 17 and 24

• (Persons at higher risk include those who have underlying chronic health issues such as diabetes, asthma or any other lung disease, or those who are immunocompromised)

• 8 a.m. – Noon All other persons who are between the ages of 17 and 24

• Noon – 1 p.m. Persons at higher risk who are older than 24 (see above definition)

• 1 – 2 p.m. Any person in the Geneva community

Within these parameters, we will administer the vaccine on a first come, first serve basis. If the supply does not last through the day, we will send a general campus e-mail notifying you of that fact.

The following information may answer some of the questions that you have.

• No person is required to receive the vaccine. 

• If we run out of the vaccine, we will reorder it as quickly as possible.

• There is no charge to receive the vaccine.

• At this time, for a variety of reasons, we will not distribute the vaccine to any person who is younger than 17 years of age.

• Many of you may be wondering about the answer to this question: “If I have already had the flu in the past few months, should I get the vaccine?”  The CDC answers this question with “Yes, you should get the vaccine.” Of course, you are free to come to your own conclusion.

• Persons who get the vaccine will be required to sign a release of claims form, and a consent form that will include a brief health history. These forms are available in the related links section below in case you want to seek advice from parents or others before you need to sign them on Friday.

• Please do not call the infirmary with additional questions. Connie and Barb are very busy treating current students. 

Undoubtedly, there will be difficulties along the way. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we move through this very unusual situation. 

Ken Carson
Provost and Professor of Psychology