After hundreds turned out for shots over the past week, Student Health Services is offering additional swine flu vaccinations today from noon to 4 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. According to Coordinator of Student Health Services Jo Buczko, response for the free vaccinations “has been really good”, and she expects between 150-200 individuals to come to the next clinic.
Free H1N1 shots are available to individuals who have undergone the screening process and obtained a ticket for an appointment, available at Student Health Services during hours of operation. Tickets must be picked up before noon on the day of the clinic.
“Just walk up and inquire about it,” said Buczko. She noted that the free vaccinations are available to any at-risk individuals in the community, and aren’t limited to PCC students.
“Our focus is PCC students, and second with staff and faculty,” Buczko said. “Next is anyone that needs it.”
There are five priority groups for H1N1 vaccinations: pregnant women; those who live with or care for infants less than six months old; persons between the ages of six months and 24 years; health care and emergency personnel; and individuals 25-64 years old who also have a chronic medical problem or a compromised immune system.
H1N1 influenza, known as swine flu, is caused by a new strain of the influenza virus. Swine flu clinics began last Thursday, when Student Health Services was assisted by nursing program students to administer 224 shots.
“We received the vaccine from the government, and we agreed that we would not charge for it,” said Buczko.” We want students to get it.”
Buczko said she does not know the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 at PCC, and that it is usually the infected individuals themselves who call to notify Student Health Services. Treating cases of H1N1 infection is not in the realm of the department.
“When we see students sick with an influenza-like illness, we send them home” said Buczko. “We don’t do any testing. We are not tracking them or responsible for their care.”
Student Health Services is able to administer a large number of flu shots due to the help of students in PCC’s nursing program, said Buczko.
“When we are helped by the nursing students, we’re able to open the clinic to the public,” said Buczko.
“Without them, we can only vaccinate the students. It’s also a great opportunity for them to practice.
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