November 6, 2009

Gonzaga University has received its first allotment of H1N1 vaccine.  A very limited amount was sent to the University in this shipment.  The vaccine is in the form of a flu shot, not nasal spray.  Distribution of this limited supply will occur Tuesday November 10, from 11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the Huetter Mansion on Sharp.  Please note that this round of vaccinations is limited to Gonzaga University faculty, staff and students only.

 
Using Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, priority groups have been established for this limited allotment.  The priority groups are:

·         Pregnant women (the vaccine provided to Gonzaga contains thimerosal, a preservative.  Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to contact their obstetrician for guidance)

·         Individuals who have children under six months of age in the household

If you fall into one of these categories you are eligible to participate in this round of vaccinations.   We anticipate receiving more vaccine soon which will be devoted to wider distribution.  If you do not fall into one of these groups we ask you to please wait to receive H1N1 vaccine from Gonzaga.

 The vaccine will be distributed through a reservation system.  Individuals who are in the priority groups listed above who wish to receive the vaccine must submit a request via email to H1N1vaccine@gonzaga.edu .  Please include the following information in your message:

·         Name

·         Priority group to which you belong

·         Morning or afternoon preference

·         Contact phone number

A representative of the vaccination team will contact you to advise you of the date and time of your appointment.  Please remember that submitting a request does not guarantee a reservation or vaccination.  As noted above, our initial supply is very limited and it will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuesday November 3, 2009 

Yesterday the Spokane Regional Health District reported two confirmed cases of Influenza B in the community.  This is seen as an indicator the traditional flu season is upon us.  Be vigilant and stay healthy!  Practice good health habits.  See previous updates for more detailed information. 

During the week of October 26-30 the Health Center reported 27 cases of Influenza-like-illness.  366 students have been triaged (in person or by phone) in October for flu symptoms.  This number represents both confirmed cases of flu A and unconfirmed cases of flu symptoms.  The total since the start of the fall term is 641 students.

There is no new information related to H1N1 vaccine availability.  If you have the opportunity to receive the H1N1 vaccine through another provider in the community (or your hometown) you may want to consider taking that option.  Although we still anticipate receiving H1N1 vaccine on campus we do not know when this will occur.  As previously reported, the Health Center has run out of seasonal flu (not H1N1) vaccine for the season.  If you have not yet received seasonal flu vaccine and you have the opportunity to receive it through another provide you may want to consider taking that option.  The Health Center does not anticipate receiving any additional seasonal flu (not H1N1) vaccine.

Welcome to the Gonzaga University Health Center website.

The Health Center functions as your private physician's office with a strong emphasis on wellness.  We want you to fully benefit from this Jesuit education. In the event of an accident or illness, our Board Certified Family Physician, Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurses are here to give you our expertise and care. 

The every day decisions you make will determine your ability to stay healthy and enjoy your experiences here.  The daily choices you make in regard to nutrition, exercise and rest will play a major role in your success.  In a new environment your immunity will be challenged.  Besides those choices mentioned, there are several more that will aid your natural resistance to diseases.  They include current immunizations to measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Gardasil (HPV vaccine) and the yearly flu vaccine.  These are vital tools to insure your wellness.  Besides needing two measles (MMR) injections, the other very important vaccine is Menectra.  Bacterial meningitis is slightly increased when you attend college as a first year student and live on campus.  Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spine, which causes serious and even life threatening illness.  There is a vaccine that can help to prevent four of the known five kinds.  We recommend you consult with your own physician and receive this vaccine or come and receive it when you arrive. We prefer that you receive it before you arrive. 

Our staff are well versed on ways to assist you in making wellness lifestyle choices as you engage on this trek to independence and knowledge. Life is about change and this is a major change in your life. We are ready to assist you in this transition to an independent healthy person by either medical care or by wellness consultations.

When you are on campus visiting, please drop by the Health Center, we would love to meet you. 

The Health Center Staff

For information about the student insurance please go to www.gonzaga.edu/studentinsurance.