Following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the university is working to make H1N1 vaccine available to high-priority groups within our community. Early in the course of receiving our allotment of doses from the Vermont Department of Health, we expect to receive vaccine batches of varying size and at potentially irregular intervals.

Who should receive the vaccine?

While we are hopeful that we will eventually be able to vaccinate all members of the community who wish to receive the H1N1 vaccine in the weeks and months ahead, we want to insure that individuals in certain groups have priority access to the vaccine. These groups include:

• Students engaged in active clinical care in the areas of medicine, nursing, nuclear medicine, physical therapy, and athletic training.
• Students, staff, faculty up to the age of 24.
• Pregnant women
• Individuals between the ages of 25 and 64 who have chronic medical conditions, including those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes and a weakened immune system resulting from illness or medication.

How can I get the vaccine?

As vaccine becomes available, we will notify you about times and locations. Watch your email for notices about where and when you can receive the vaccine. This information will also be updated regularly on the university's H1N1 website: www.uvm.edu/emergency.

Other than continuing to wash my hands frequently and using good cough and sneeze etiquette, is there anything else I should do?

Yes. Consult your caregiver if you become ill and have questions; this is especially important if you have an underlying medical condition.

Finally, please know that we are grateful (in advance) for your attention to this issue, your patience and understanding as we work to secure and administer the vaccine, and your sense of community in helping to insure that those in the priority groups noted above are given an opportunity to receive the vaccine at an early point in time.