Laboratory employees can obtain a free flu shot beginning November 7.
Occupational Medicine (OM) is administering flu vaccinations for Laboratory workers November 7 through 22, or until all the vaccine is administered.
All flu clinics this year are scheduled to be held at Occupational Medicine at Technical Area 3, (Building 1411). There is ample parking.
“The idea behind the immunizations is to decrease the likelihood of a flu outbreak at the Lab,” said Buffy Bergquist of OM Operations (OM-OMO). Registered nurses from OM will administer the shots.
Any employee with a badge is eligible to receive a shot, including subcontract personnel. Prior signed approval is no longer necessary.
All workers will be required to read and sign a consent form before they can receive a flu shot. In addition, women who are pregnant will need a written note from their personal physician before receiving the vaccine. People who are allergic to chicken eggs, egg protein, or have sensitivity to Thimerisol (a preservative in contact lens solution) should not receive the vaccine.
The vaccine prepared for the 2006-07 season will include A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1)-like, A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like, and B/Malaysia/2506/2004 – like antigens (for the A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) – like antigen), said Bergquist.
The vaccinations are not meant to protect people from common colds or the stomach flu, and Bergquist said some people may experience mild, flu-like symptoms following vaccination. Frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing are important to prevent the spread of viruses.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone over age 50, anyone with long-term health problems, anyone with a weakened immune system, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia, pregnant women past the first trimester (with written permission from an OB/GYN), medical personnel, foreign travelers, people who live in dormitory settings, caretakers, and anyone who wants to reduce their chances of catching influenza.
The schedule for flu vaccines is as follows:
Tuesday, November 7
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Wednesday, November 8
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Tuesday, November 14
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Wednesday, November 15
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Thursday, November 16
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Friday, November 17
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Tuesday, November 21
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders
Wednesday, November 22
8-11 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m., Open to all badge holders.
For more information, contact Occupational Medicine at 7-7839.
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