Cal Poly Pomona restricts H1N1 vaccine

From Cal Poly's desk: 

Due to overwhelming demand for the H1N1 flu vaccine, the Department of Public Health will strictly enforce eligibility requirements at the Nov. 5 clinic at Cal Poly Pomona.

        The vaccine will be given to people in these higher risk groups:

·         Pregnant women

·         People living with or caring for infants under 6 months

·         Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years

·         Adults 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions

·         Healthcare or emergency medical workers with direct patient contact

        The free vaccine clinic is open to Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC students, faculty, staff and members of the general public who meet the guidelines. It will be held at the CTTi Building 220A, 3650 W. Temple Ave., Pomona (across from the University Village at the corner of Temple Avenue and South Campus Drive). The clinic will operate on a walk-in basis; reservations will not be taken.

        The registration and vaccination process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but people are encouraged to set aside an hour or longer, depending on demand, which has been significant at other clinics. To speed the process, those who desire a vaccination can complete the registration form (http://www.lapublichealth.org/docs/swine/Forms/English%20H1N1%20Form.pdf) ahead of time and bring it to the clinic. However, a completed form does not guarantee that an applicant will receive the vaccine.

        Parking is available across South Campus Drive in Lots K and B. Students are encouraged to ride the Bronco Express Shuttle (route A and C), which has stops near CTTi. Maps of the campus and shuttle routes are available at www.csupomona.edu/maps/.

        People with medical insurance or access to a physician are encouraged to get the vaccine from a private healthcare provider, because private providers will receive the majority of the H1N1 vaccine. The Nov. 5 clinic, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is intended for those who meet the criteria and do not have a usual source of healthcare. In the coming weeks, the vaccine should be available through chain pharmacies, private healthcare providers and community clinics, according to the county Department of Public Health.

        To prevent getting the flu and to stay in good health, always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And avoid close contact with sick people.

        Student Health Services staff physician Dr. John Tsai and Ty Ramsower, coordinator of health promotion & outreach, have answers to some frequently asked questions about H1N1. (http://polycentric.csupomona.edu/news.asp?id=2554)

        More information about H1N1 is available at www.csupomona.edu/flu, www.flu.gov, andwww.dsa.csupomona.edu/shs.

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WHAT: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Cal Poly Pomona are holding a free H1N1 vaccine clinic on campus for people in higher risk groups

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: CTTi Building 220A, 3650 W. Temple Ave., Pomona (across from the University Village at the corner of Temple Avenue and South Campus Drive)

HOW MUCH: The vaccination is free. Parking is free.