What Students Need to Know About the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine

Monday, October 5, 2009, started the distribution of the Swine Flu Vaccine across the county. However there is a long line to receive the vaccine and people with the highest risk of catching swine flu are first in line. About 7 million doses of the vaccine will be distributed the first week, and by mid October 40 million more doses will be given out, and divided among each state. Those considered the highest risk for Swine Flu include: healthcare workers, pregnant women, and people under the age of 64 with asthma or diabetes, and finally the young from 6 months-24 years.

Although the regular winter flu is mostly common for people over the age of 65, H1N1 is mostly striking the young. Since most college student fit within 24 years of age they are among the priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine. This may be good news for Bloomsburg students, and other college students who are interested in receiving the Swine Flu vaccine. According to the CDC, Center for Disease and Control, the Swine Flu is circulating in all 50 states.

The Health Center has recently received 2,400 doses of H1N1 vaccine and administered the Swine Flu shots on

Nursing Major Brittany Martin gives the vaccine to Sophomore Sarah Cheatwood during the Student Health Center Clinic, photo courtesy of Connor Showalter — Nursing Major Brittany Martin gives the H1N1 vaccine to Sophomore Sarah Cheatwood during the Student Health Center Clinic, photo courtesy of Connor Showalter

November 2, 2009 between 9am to 5pm to students only. The Voice reported that only 1,100 students received the H1N1 flu vaccine. At the Health Center H1N1 vaccines will still be available to students by appointment only until they run out of the vaccine. In order to make students feel safer with issues regarding the Swine Flu the Bloomsburg Health Center has set up a Q and A page regarding most commonly asked questions from students such as: what are the symptoms of the Swine Flu, and how to remain healthy.

One student, Lauren Roberto, a 20-year old female has decided she will be getting the Swine Flu vaccination in precaution to the Swine Flu. She has already gotten the seasonal flu shot for the year and is continuing to be cautious of possible flu like symptoms. She received her shot on November 2, 2009 administered by the university.

While many students may agree with Lauren in taking this precaution to the H1N1 virus, Jessica Picciotti is sure she will not be getting the Swine Flu vaccine. Jessica feels washing her hands often, and getting plenty of sleep is enough in order to stay healthy. She does not believe in injecting a small dose of the flu into her body since she already has a strong immune system. She has not gotten the season flu shot vaccine and does not feel vaccinations for the flu are necessary for her. Both girls are doing as much as they believe is enough for them to stay healthy.

The most common reported side effects of the H1N1 vaccine consist of muscle pain, nausea, headache, fever, chills, and vomiting. However, there have been no significant safety concerns from the H1N1 vaccine so far. To learn more about the H1N1 flu and the Swine Flu vaccine check out the CDC’s website.