Flu Update, August 24, 2010

Situation Update
The U.S. Public Health Emergency for 2009 H1N1 Influenza expired on June 23, 2010. On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic globally. For information about CDC’s response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, visit the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic: Summary Highlights, April 2009-April 2010. Internationally, 2009 H1N1 viruses and seasonal influenza viruses are co-circulating in many parts of the world. It is likely that the 2009 H1N1 virus will continue to spread for years to come, like a regular seasonal influenza virus.

Vaccination
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. The U.S. 2010-11 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus that emerged last year to cause the first global pandemic in more than 40 years and resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths. Seasonal 2010-11 vaccine has begun shipping from manufacturers and CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a 2010-11 flu vaccine for the upcoming season as vaccine is available. 

Morehead State University Plan of Action
The leadership at MSU will again purchase flu vaccine for the students, staff, faculty, retirees and their spouses this year.  The first shipments are expected to be delivered early fall. The dates and locations will be posted on this site when they are finalized. Meanwhile, prevention through good hand washing and optimal health practices are encouraged. The health clinic is also working with the Department of Public Health to provide other vaccines to students up to age 26 at little or no cost. Watch this site and postings throughout campus for details.