October-November Health Tip

It’s Flu Season Again

By Robert S. Oller, D.O
Chief Executive Officer
Division of Clinical Operations 
Nova Southeastern University

• For more health tips and programs offered by the NSU Wellness Committee, visit the NSU Health and Wellness web page.

The summer is over and fall has begun. With the change in the seasons we are faced with flu season and the question arises, should we or should we not be vaccinated?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention addresses this issue as well as other questions regarding the flu on its web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/.  

This year once again the Office of Human Resources, the University Health and Wellness Committee, and the Health Professions Division have teamed up to provide flu vaccines free to 500 university employees. The supply of vaccines has already been received and they will begin to be provided on Thursday, Oct. 25. Below is the schedule of dates and places for the free employee vaccine and a questionnaire.

As always our health centers also have supplies for the public and for those who would rather go through their private physicians. Those individuals who choose to get vaccinated at our health centers will need to follow the regular protocol of the centers.

Schedule for NSU employees free flu vaccine:
Thursday, Oct. 25,  and Friday, Oct. 26 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
HPD Ziff Bldg. - Nursing Lab, 1st Floor

Thursday, Nov. 1   (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
University Middle School ~ Dauer Bldg., Media Center

Friday, Nov. 2 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
NMB Campus - Fischler School of Education & Human Services: Clinic – Room 12-A & 12-B

Thursday, Nov. 8 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
University Center - Multipurpose Room 1

For further information, please call (954) 262-7865

Employer FAQ’s – Flu Shots 2007

Q:  How do I sign up for a flu shot?
A:  No need to sign up; contact your OHR representative for a list of scheduled dates and times for vaccination.  There are posters in every building advising you of the dates and time. REMEMBER, only the first five hundred (500) vaccines are free.  If you miss the scheduled dates but have your BCBS plan and are considered high risk for the influenza virus there is no cost to you or your provider for the vaccine.

Q:  When will flu shots become available?
A:   We are currently scheduling on-site flu vaccinations to begin Oct. 25.

Q:  Will NSU provide vaccinations for pregnant women?
A:  Women who will be pregnant during influenza season are considered high risk for complications from influenza and should get the vaccine.  Please consult your physician to see if you are eligible for vaccination then visit one of our many sites. 

Q:  What are the age requirements for providing vaccinations at on-site locations and can dependents get the free vaccines too?
A:  All NSU employees are eligible but unfortunately we cannot extend the offer to your dependents as we have limited supply (500 vaccines).

Q:  How is the vaccine administered?
A:  The NSU representatives - nursing staff, medical faculty and pharmaceutical faculty - will facilitate the injection of the vaccination into the upper arm of the patient.  We recommend that you wear clothing that allows easy access to this area.

Q:  Is everyone a candidate for the vaccine?
A:  No. The vaccine should not be administered to people with acute febrile illnesses until their temporary symptoms have abated.  However, minor illnesses with or without fever should not contraindicate the use of influenza vaccine, particularly among children with a mild upper respiratory tract infection or allergic rhinitis.  Contraindications: influenza virus is propagated in eggs for the preparation of influenza virus vaccine; thus, this vaccine should not be administered to anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine including thimerosal. In addition, people with severe egg allergy or who have a history of guillain-barre’ syndrome (GBS).