Unity students in the lab

 

September 28, 2009

Dear Students and Parents:

Unity College is continuing to monitor the activity of the H1N1 influenza virus. While some schools in Maine, including one college, have experienced H1N1 outbreaks, Unity College has yet to detect H1N1 on our campus. Unity College remains in close communication with federal, state and local public health agencies on the status of H1N1; the Health Center staff is continuing to educate the community about the signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza, and the Director of Health Services continues to monitor trends of illnesses circulating campus and testing those with influenza-like illnesses. We are encouraging all students to get both the seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza vaccines in order to protect themselves as much as possible this year. We will be providing both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines on campus mid to late October, however, students should consider trying to get the vaccines if possible while home over Fall Break.

Update on flu vaccines at Unity College: 

  1. Seasonal: The Unity College Health Center is working with Bangor City Public Health (BCPH) to offer a SEASONAL flu vaccine clinic on Friday, October 16th. The clinic runs 2pm-4pm. No appointment is needed. The flu shots cost $25 each. BCPH will give the student a coded receipt so that he/she can then turn it in to his/her insurance company for possible reimbursement. Those students who have the Commercial Traveler's insurance policy through the school will get reimbursed. Go to: www.crossagency.com  for information on reimbursement for vaccines (follow links to collegiate services, then college health, then to the Unity College page.)
  2. H1N1: The Unity College Health Center will also be offering H1N1 vaccines when they are available. There will be NO CHARGE for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccines will be ready to order in the next two to three weeks; taking a week to arrive, we should be able to provide these vaccines for our students by the last two weeks of October. Currently the priority categories include most of our students. The priority categories are as follows:
    • Pregnant women;
    • Household members and caregivers for children under 6 months old;
    • Health care and emergency medical services personnel;
    • All people ages 6 months through 24 years of age;
    • People ages 25 through 64 who have health conditions.

For more information about vaccines contact:  

Anna McGalliard, Director of Student Health Services, amcgalliard@unity.edu