Swine Influenza Information

Update: Oct 9, 2009

Dear Family,

The Texas Department of State Health Services has informed TCU that the University could receive a portion of our order of H1N1 vaccine at the end of this month. Our goal continues to be to offer vaccinations to all students, faculty and staff. Over time, the University also anticipates receiving the rest of the vaccine requested earlier, but it could take several weeks to have enough vaccines for the entire campus.

According to the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0821a1.htm, population density can result in the spread of H1N1. To that end, when the initial shipment is received, TCU will first focus on providing the H1N1 vaccine to residential students and those with known underlying health conditions*.

So far, in the testing by the CDC, the H1N1 vaccine has been proven safe and effective. Because the amount of H1N1 vaccine shipped to Texas is not as great as previously anticipated, TCU will likely receive only a portion of the vaccine requested. Because of that, TCU is working to establish an effective means of administering the H1N1 vaccine and will be ascertaining the amount of interest students have in receiving the vaccination. We are encouraging all students to discuss the H1N1 vaccine with their family over fall break and then inform the institution as to whether or not they will be vaccinated when given the opportunity. Students will receive a query form when they return from fall break asking whether or not they wish to receive the vaccination. Health authorities strongly recommend that anyone with underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, get vaccinated. Even if one has had the flu this year, the H1N1 vaccination is recommended.

If your student is home over fall break and your state is offering the H1N1 vaccination, your student may consider getting vaccinated while at home.

The University firmly believes that in order to have successful collegiate careers, students must remain healthy. This is an important decision for you and your student and the institution’s goal is to keep you as informed as possible. TCU will continue to update www.tcu.edu/fluinfo.asp with news and resources.

*If your student has asthma, diabetes or other underlying health conditions and you have not yet provided TCU with that information from your student’s physician, please make sure your student does so at their earliest possible convenience.

If you have further questions, please contact Campus Life at 817-257-7926.

Sincerely,
Dr. Don Mills
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Dear Parents:
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) continue monitoring swine influenza cases in this country and Mexico. As of now, only two people in a southern Texas County near San Antonio have been confirmed as infected with the virus. Both patients recovered.
 
TCU’s Brown-Lupton Health Center is following guidelines set forth by Tarrant County Health Department officials, in conjunction with CDC and WHO, to monitor and report swine influenza cases at TCU. No cases have been reported at the University. In addition, other TCU staff is monitoring the situation and will keep the campus community informed as needed. As of now, the government has not issued any travel advisories or travel warnings for Mexico due to swine influenza.
 
Campus members are encouraged to practice good hygiene methods by:
 
•       Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
 
•       Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
 
•       Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
 
According to the CDC, influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
 
If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and cough, you should immediately seek medical attention. Students may go to the Health Center.
 
Updated information regarding University action related to this situation will be posted on www.parents.tcu.edu.
 
For further information and the latest updates on swine influenza, visit: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
 
 
Regards,
 
Kay Higgins, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Student Development
Director of Parent Programs
TCU Box 297350
BLUU  Room 2003
Fort Worth, TX  76129
817-257-7855