FAQs: Information on Vaccines

Student Health Service has been informed that our expected shipments of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine have been delayed.

As a result, the special vaccine clinic for Penn students previously announced for November 6 has been cancelled. The vaccine clinics for November 13 and November 20 will tentatively be held as scheduled pending delivery of sufficient supply of H1N1 vaccine. We have now scheduled an additional clinic for Friday, December 4.

Special vaccine clinics will tentatively be held as follows:

• TENTATIVE  Friday, November 13  10am—3pm  ARCH
• TENTATIVE  Friday, November 20  10am—3pm  ARCH
• TENTATIVE  Friday, December 4  10am—3pm  ARCH

All Penn students in the following priority groups defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraged to attend the clinics:

• Penn students 24 years of age and younger
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, including healthcare students with clinical obligations
• Students at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
• Pregnant students
• Students who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

All vaccine clinics will be held in the Arts, Research, and Culture House (The ARCH) at the corner of 36th Street and Locust Walk (students should use the Locust Walk entrance). Students will be asked to present Penn ID to receive vaccine. There is no charge associated with the vaccine or the clinic. No appointment is necessary.

Students should understand that vaccine supplies at a given clinic may be limited. At each clinic, we will vaccinate until supplies for that day are exhausted. If our allocation runs out, you may be asked to return to a later clinic.

Students should also note that injectable vaccine will be administered in the upper arm. Please wear clothing that will allow access for vaccination.
At present, 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will only be available to students through special immunization clinics. Additional clinics will be scheduled as needed and vaccine supply allows.

We continue to work closely with our partners in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help protect our community members and prevent the spread of flu in our community.

More information about H1N1 vaccination for students not in the current CDC priority groups will be posted on the University flu website at www.upenn.edu/flu and the Student Health website at www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs as information becomes available.

Please see Frequently asked questions about H1N1 vaccine. Any additional questions about vaccines can be directed to Student Health at 215-746-3535 or via email at fluplan@pobox.upenn.edu.