Hall Health low on flu vaccine

With a little more than a week left before winter break, many students have lost their opportunity to be vaccinated for the flu before traveling home for the holidays.

As of yesterday afternoon, Hall Health was down to its last 50 doses of the influenza vaccine, and those are being reserved for those with a high risk of flu complications, like asthma or heart problems.

According to Hall Health director Elaine Jong, the center has had a rush of students trying to get the flu vaccine.

"We have given away 90 vaccinations already today," said Jean Haulman, Hall Health vaccination specialist, at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Hall Health has had several vaccination days, but because of the shortage, today's special flu vaccination session has been cancelled.

Jong said that the manufacturer of the vaccine, distributed by injection, has also run out.

"I know students are getting busy with studying and exams, but if they are in a high-risk category, they should see a doctor," Jong said.

For those currently ineligible for vaccinations at Hall Health, more vaccinations are on the way.

According to Jong, a new nasal flu vaccination called "Flumist" has been donated to Hall Health, but won't be available until next Tuesday.

"We're kind of afraid that many students won't get the chance to be vaccinated before break," Haulman said. "School ends this week and many students will be done and gone by Tuesday."

For those who will be sticking around next week, the new vaccine does come with complications. It is recommended only for those between 15 and 49 years old, according to Jong.

The new nasal vaccination usually costs around $70 but is being offered for $20, the price of the regular injectible vaccine, because it was donated by the manufacturer.

The flu epidemic sweeping the country is actually a slight variation of the influenza covered by current vaccines, and therefore vaccines won't provide 100 percent protection against infection.

"These vaccines give about 85 percent protection against catching the flu," said Jong.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put Washington among the highest of influenza-infected states. The CDC has also said that the flu season is coming much faster than expected.

"We've already had eight or nine positive cases of influenza [at Hall Health]," Haulman said.

Haulman said that several more cases will probably be confirmed within the next week, as flu cultures take a few weeks to confirm.

"The flu season is coming much faster than usual," said Haulman. "We usually don't start getting confirmed cases until January."

Because of the earlier flu season, Hall Health recommends that students try to get vaccinations before they leave school for the holidays.

According to Jong, winter break is also a time when students are especially susceptible to viruses like the flu.

"Often people are in crowded areas like airports, malls and airplanes with other people infected by the flu," said Jong.