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January 27, 2010

Dear Brown Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to provide an update regarding H1N1 influenza at Brown. Over the winter break there were almost no cases of students self-reporting or seeking treatment at University Health Services for influenza-like illness (ILI). The Rhode Island Department of Health has reported that the level of influenza activity in the state is sporadic, with H1N1 influenza continuing to be the dominant strain. Prior to the end of the fall semester, more than 2400 Brown students received the H1N1 vaccine, the highest rate of vaccination among Rhode Island colleges and universities.
Medical authorities have advised us, however, to remain vigilant and to continue taking the appropriate health and safety precautions to try and limit the spread of H1N1 during the course of the winter. The most important steps Brown community members can do to prevent the spread of ILI are:

• practicing good health hygiene (wash hands often, cover coughs, etc. – more information available on-line at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#d);
• staying home from school or work when sick (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm);
• receiving the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations if you are able.

Brown will host vaccine clinics for all Brown faculty and staff on Thursday, January 28 and Thursday, February 4 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Sayles Hall. There will be 500 H1N1 flu vaccines available to Brown employees per session on a first come first serve basis. Limited seasonal flu vaccines will also be available. Bring your Brown ID and, if applicable, your BCBSRI or UHC subscriber card with your completed consent form. Consent forms will also be available at the clinic. Information about other vaccination clinics and vaccination distribution for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut residents can be found at the following web-sites:

Rhode Island: http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/vaccination/
Massachusetts: http://www.mass.gov/flu
Connecticut: www.ct.gov/CTFluWatch/

Further information about H1N1, including specific information for faculty and students regarding handling absences from classes, and links to websites such as RIDOH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can be found on-line at: www.brown.edu/h1n1.

Sincerely,

Russell C. Carey
Chief Risk Officer
Senior Vice President
Corporation Affairs and Governance