<p>To: The Brandeis Student Community</p>
<p>From: Rick Sawyer, VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life </p>
<p>H1N1 Flu Update, December 11, 2009</p>
<p>This will be our last flu update to the student body for the semester. And perhaps the last flu update - period.</p>
<p>As of today, we have experienced 255 diagnosed flu illnesses in the student body since the start of the semester last August. Today we have 5 students with flu, one of whom is still on campus and under care.</p>
<p>A second batch of H1N1 vaccine arrived on campus at the beginning of this week. Notices were sent to the student body during the week to encourage students at risk to come to the Health Center, and subsequently, with some remaining doses available, a more general notice was sent out for others under the age of 24 to come by the Center. As of today (Friday) there are still a handful of H1N1 doses. </p>
<p>It appears that very soon the H1N1 vaccine will be readily available everywhere in the United States. We are expecting to receive our originally requested doses over the intersession break.</p>
<p>There is also a sizeable amount of seasonal flu vaccine on hand. Please remember that the H1N1 vaccine is free because it is owned and distributed by the government. The seasonal vaccine is purchased by the Health Center, so there is a small fee for the shot.</p>
<p>In addition to the flu, there is a fair amount of pneumonia occurring. We highly recommend that while students are home over break that they seek the full array of shots while there - H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines, and also a pneumonia shot. Because the vaccines take a few days to kick in, the previous advice regarding smart care should be followed - wash hands frequently, careful where you sneeze, etc.</p>
<p>I think recognition is due for all who have made the flu crisis nearly a non-factor at Brandeis this semester - the staff at the Health Center for sure. Also, the staffs in Community Living, Academic Services, Facilities Services, Dining Services, Public Safety, Bemco … And thanks also goes to all our students - both the students who weathered their illness without complaints, and their friends and families who assisted in caring for them.</p>
<p>Have a great semester break. See you back here in January.</p>