The nationwide outbreak of H1N1 flu in Fall 2009 saw the cough, sore throat, body ache, headache and fatigue become more than symptoms of the seasonal flu and the word “swine” refer to more than pigs.
Texas Tech received a shipment of about 36,500 H1N1 vaccinations in December, and 900 vaccines still are available to Tech faculty, staff and students on a first-come first-served basis. The vaccinations are available free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Student Wellness Center and require no appointment, just a Tech ID.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site, last week was National Influenza Vaccination Week. The department in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used the week to encourage Americans to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Evelyn McPherson, director of Student Health Services, said students largely have not responded to the availability of the H1N1 vaccine. She said this might be due to the arrival date of the vaccines and people not knowing a seasonal flu shot does not protect against H1N1 flu.
“A seasonal flu shot only protects against the seasonal flu,” McPherson said. “In order to be protected against H1N1 flu, the H1N1 vaccine is required. You need to get both shots to be fully protected during flu season.”
Jay Parchman, executive director of Public Safety and Emergency Management in the office of the chief financial officer, said he ordered the H1N1 flu vaccines for Tech and said the vaccines arriving at Tech in the beginning of December made the timing less than ideal.
“The vaccines came around dead day,” Parchman said, “and many students and faculty were busy with finals.”
Parchman said September, October and November brought a large volume of flu cases.
By providing the H1N1 vaccinations to students and staff now, Tech will be able to prevent future cases of flu.
Lorrainia Belle, an architecture graduate student from Jersey City, N.J., said she still is deciding whether to get an H1N1 vaccine.
“I don’t feel like I need one,” Belle said. “I have not heard of any swine flu cases recently, but at the same time I would hate to end up getting the flu.”
Sandy Fortenberry, public health preparedness coordinator for the Lubbock Health Department, said although the number of flu cases has declined recently in Lubbock, she recommends people receive the vaccination.
“The health department recommends everyone get the H1N1 shot as flu season is not over,” she said.
According to a Jan. 8 press release by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, from April 2009 to November 2009, H1N1 flu infected about 47 million Americans. The department also reported flu season is unpredictable and lasts until May.
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