October 29, 2009
The University has received 175 doses of inactivated H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine shots. In keeping with Centers for Disease Control guidelines, this small initial shipment of inactivated vaccine is being allocated to pregnant women.
Pregnant University of Chicago faculty, staff, students, other academic personnel, post-doctoral scholars, and pregnant spouses or partners of members of these groups are encouraged to call the Student Care Center at 773-702-4156 and make an appointment for a free vaccination. A University ID or UC health insurance card is required.
Because of the small amount of vaccine available at this moment, no vaccination clinic for pregnant women is scheduled.
We recognize that given the small amount of vaccine currently available, we may run out before vaccinating all pregnant women who want the vaccine. We ask your patience, and your help in making sure that vaccine goes to those who need it most.
The H1N1 vaccine remains in short supply across the nation, and the University finds itself in the same situation as major institutions throughout Chicago. Some providers may have more than others at a given moment, so you should be alert to public clinics and other possibilities for receiving the vaccine. Your gynecologist or other health care provider may also offer the vaccine.
Also, the vaccination situation at the University is subject to change on a daily basis. Please return to this website for information on whether or not vaccine is available.
As always, we encourage you to take common precautions to avoid getting sick, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water, using the hand-sanitizing stations on campus as an alternative, and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm (instead of your hand) when you cough or sneeze. If you are sick, please stay in your room or home until 24 hours after the fever has ended.
