November 16, 2009

Dear undergraduate and graduate students,

***Please share this information with parents or family as appropriate.***

H1N1 VACCINATION FOR BROWN STUDENTS
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has identified students 24 years of age and younger as an important priority group for H1N1 vaccination. Brown University Health Services will be providing H1N1 vaccine to all enrolled Brown students 24 years of age and younger as soon as the vaccine becomes available to colleges and universities in Rhode Island, most likely shortly after Thanksgiving. We will distribute information about vaccine availability for students above age 24 when that information is available.

HOW WILL YOU GET VACCINATED?
Once dates are set, instructions about how to make a vaccination appointment will be promoted extensively across campus; you will receive a second email similar to this one, and the information will be available in Morning Mail, on the Health Services website, and in print form.

WHY ARE STATES DIFFERENT?
Priority groups and procedures differ by state throughout the United States because each state health department has determined the priority order of groups and the process for distributing H1N1 vaccine for their residents. You may view the priority order and schedule of anticipated vaccine availability for Rhode Island on the website of the RIDOH; college and university students will fall under “young adults 19-24 (this will include Brown students younger than 19) or “adults 25-64.”

GOING “HOME” AT THANKSGIVING?
If you are a resident of another state and will be returning home at Thanksgiving, you may choose to be vaccinated in your home state if vaccine is available.

We encourage students to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control is encouraging everyone to be vaccinated – even those who have already had flu-like symptoms, because knowing which flu virus caused their symptoms is unlikely.

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

Sincerely,

Edward A. Wheeler, MD
Director, University Health Services
www.brown.edu/health
Health_Services@brown.edu