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H1N1 INFLUENZA INFORMATION

Last Updated: December 22, 2009

 

 

 

 

UMDNJ is committed to supporting the safety, health, and wellness of all members of the University. We are now intensifying efforts to be as prepared as possible for a second wave of H1N1 Influenza (it was formerly called "swine flu," a term no longer in use) which is anticipated in the coming months.

Important information regarding Availability of H1N1 Vaccine.

The University is OPEN and operating under NORMAL conditions; events and activities will continue as scheduled.

Message from the President
Message from the UH Bioethics Committee
Flu Vaccines
Availability of H1N1 Vaccine
H1N1 Influenza Task Force
News
Influenza-like Illness
Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students and H1N1 Influenza Flu Prevention
UMDNJ’s Experts
Documents
Past Updates
For More Information

If you have questions or concerns regarding H1N1 Influenza and/or seasonal flu, call NJPIES 24x7 at 800-222-1222 for up-to-date answers and information.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has opened a toll-free telephone line for the general public to call in regard to H1N1 Influenza and Vaccine. The telephone line will be operational Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is 1-866-321-9571.

Message from the UH Bioethics Committee
We, the Ethics Committee of University Hospital, believe that health care workers have both an ethical and moral obligation to receive seasonal and pandemic flu vaccinations to protect themselves, their families, their communities and their patients from harm.

H1N1 Flu: A Dose of Reality

The good news is that there's a safe, effective vaccine against the H1N1 flu virus, and it will be available before the onset of winter, when the cold and humidity allow the virus to spread more easily. But the bad news is that misinformation about the H1N1 flu vaccine may discourage people from getting it. Here are the myths:

Myth #1: H1N1 flu vaccine is unsafe
Myth #2: The vaccine is untested
Myth #3: The vaccine contains dangerous ingredients
Myth #4: The vaccine can give a person the flu

To learn the facts about the safety of the H1N1 flu vaccine, click here

H1N1 Vaccination Schedule

Seasonal Vaccination Schedule

H1N1 Influenza Task Force
Dr. Larry Budnick, director of the Occupational Medicine Service at New Jersey Medical School, and Brendan McCluskey, executive director of Emergency Management and Occupational Health and Safety, have been appointed by Dr. Denise Rodgers, executive vice president for Academic & Clinical Affairs, to co-chair a University-wide H1N1 Influenza Task Force.

The Task Force is comprised of four working groups to address our preparedness and capability to respond to:

  • Clinical and patient care issues, including responses to a surge in influenza cases, continuity of operations, clinical responses/protocols, surveillance and reporting;
  • Academic issues, including class cancellations, school closures, student seasonal and H1N1 immunizations, monitoring illness/absence and wellness issues;
  • Employee issues, including Human Resources and leave issues, monitoring illness/absence, employee seasonal and H1N1 immunizations, mandatory documentation forms, antiviral prophylaxis, EAP issues and supplies;
  • Communications issues, including facilitating information sharing and regular updates, promoting vaccinations and adherence to policies.

Influenza-like Illness
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Collectively, these symptoms make up a syndrome known as influenza-like illness (ILI). H1N1 Influenza generally causes a mild to moderate influenza illness that does not seem to make individuals more ill than the usual seasonal flu. The vast majority of people fully recover after they acquire this illness, unless they have other underlying medical problems. So far, with H1N1 Influenza, the largest number of confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24. Pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from H1N1 Influenza.

Anti-viral influenza medications such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza® (zanamavir) can be effective in decreasing symptoms by 24-48 hours, but should be given within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms to have any benefit; these medications do not cure the disease.

Students and H1N1 Influenza Flu Prevention
Students with patient contact or who are located in any patient-care facility must be immunized each year with the current influenza vaccine. This year, students have until JANUARY 31, 2010, to fulfill the Student Immunization and Health Requirement for influenza prevention. We now have sufficient H1N1 influenza vaccine for all clinical students. Each campus Student Health and Wellness Center is in the process of scheduling H1N1 influenza vaccination services.

Documents

  1. OSHA - How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace
  2. Respirators vs. Surgical Masks Fact Sheet
  3. Pandemic Flu Respiratory Protection
  4. NJ DHSS Public Information on H1N1 Influenza and Vaccination Program

Past Updates

  • August 2009 is available here.
  • July 2009 is available here.
  • April 2009 is available here.

For More Information