.jpg "A St. Bonaventure student receives a flu shot during the Feb. 23 clinic.")
Good turnout reported at second on-campus flu vaccination clinic
There was a good turnout at SBU Health Services' second on-campus flu vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 23, said Cattaraugus County Health Department officials who conducted the event.
The clinic, held at the Thomas Merton Center in the heart of campus, offered both seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines to all members of the campus community and their families. The H1N1 vaccine was free and the seasonal flu shot was covered by most people's health insurance.
Meanwhile, Melissa Gallison Blackstone, director of Health Services at St. Bonaventure, said flu activity in the U.S. will continue for weeks and that people should remain vigilant.
County hosting daily H1N1 clinics through the month of February
The Cattaraugus County Department of Health is conducting free H1N1 vaccination clinics -- daily in Olean, three days a week in Salamanca, and two days a week in Machias -- during the month of February.
No appointment is necessary and all ages are welcome.
For locations and times of the clinics, go to the Health Department's H1N1 Clinics Web page.
The Department of Health also provides the seasonal flu vaccine at a cost of $8 per dose (if the vaccine is not covered by one's insurance carrier.) For information getting the seasonal flu vaccine, call the department at 716-373-8050.
"There’s still time to get both of your flu shots, seasonal and H1N1," said Melissa Gallison Blackstone, director of Health Services at St. Bonaventure, noting the flu season doesn't typically peak until February or March.
Flu experts answer questions on WebMD blog
 Focus on Flu experts from WebMD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) team up to answer your questions about the flu season – from concerns about the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic to seasonal flu issues. Go to WebMD blog
Is the 2009 H1N1 vaccine safe?
Anthony Fiore, MD, MPH, medical epidemiologist for the Influenza Division of the CDC, answers questions many people have about the H1N1 vaccine, including its safety. Go to Vaccine Safety.
Who's monitoring the situation on campus?
- The number of flu cases is being monitored by Health Services.
- The university's Emergency Management Team will convene as required to address any issues related to possible event cancellation or school closing.
- The university president is the authority for deciding to close the university due to illness.
Health officials remain vigilant
University health officials have taken an aggressive approach to keeping students and staff safe from H1N1. A number of preventive measures have been taken. Read More
How will you know if you have the flu?
Chances are you'll recognize your illness as the flu. The flu usually comes on suddenly and has typical symptoms. Read More
What if you have flu-like symptoms?
Students with flu-like symptoms are asked to visit Health Service and to follow a prescribed course of action. Read More
What can you do to avoid the flu?
Frequent hand-washing with warm water and soap is one of many ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Read More
Are you prepared?
If you should come down with the flu, a flu kit can help ease your discomfort. Read More
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