posted on Aug, 31 2009 @ 02:04 AM
Not to get too off topic, but I did receive an "alert" email from my school's system, however I believe we are still nowhere near forced
vaccinations, and I believe we never will be. Pasted below is a general alert sent. Notice how there is nothing remotely close to a hint of required
vaccinations for students or faculty in the state's largest university (I believe just shy of 40,000 enrolled in undergraduate studies). Barely a
mention of the vaccine tbh.
August 31, 2009
VCU and the VCU Medical Center are operating on a regular work and academic schedule.
H1N1 Flu Update
August 26, 2009
To the VCU Community:
We write concerning VCU's planned response to the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) specifically identify universities and colleges
as "points of spread" for this virus, both within their own institutions as well as in the larger community.
Public health officials expect a significant increase in the number of H1N1 cases during the next several months. Thus far, most flu cases have been
mild, with symptoms including fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Symptoms also may include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, and
diarrhea or vomiting.
Based on current conditions, the CDC is recommending that students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should stay in their homes, dormitories
or residence halls for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever. This
should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications. The exception to this pertains to students, faculty and staff who work in patient
care areas. They should be excluded from work for seven days from onset of symptoms or until symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
VCU and VCU Medical Center officials are working closely with Richmond and Virginia health departments to monitor conditions and make decisions about
the best steps to take concerning our institution. One step that you can take is to be vaccinated for the H1N1 virus as well as the seasonal flu. We
will notify the University community when these vaccinations are available. The H1N1 vaccination is still being tested, and is expected to be
available later in the fall. The seasonal flu vaccine is expected to be available in September.
In the meantime, you are encouraged to take the following steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 or seasonal flu:
. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are
effective.
. Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or
sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth - germs are spread this way.
. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if a person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance or is sweating or shivering.
. Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. This should be
determined without the use of fever-reducing medications. Don't go to class or work.
. Most cases of H1N1 flu are mild and patients recover without medical care. If you are at risk for complications from the flu you should contact
your health care provider.
. Prepare a "health kit" with a thermometer, tissues, medication for fever and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
We are developing plans to minimize class disruptions caused by faculty or students becoming ill, including the use of technology, adjusting
deadlines, considering alternative assignments and so forth. And we will be asking faculty members to inform their students about class flu plans.
....yada yada
[edit on 31-8-2009 by VirginiaGreen]