Staving off swine flu

More than 200 students received the first round of H1N1 vaccine offered to UNC students Monday, fewer than officials expected.

“We are amazed we are not seeing the high level of folks saying ‘I want it,’” said Mary Beth Koza, director of the UNC Department of Environment, Health and Safety.

The vaccine was given all day at the Michael Hooker Research Center. This is the first of eight vaccination clinics that will be available through next week.

The turnout was lower than health officials expected, Koza said.

The University expects to receive 28,000 doses of the vaccine in total through several batches, Koza said. The vaccine comes in both a nasal mist and injection form.

Koza said she doesn’t know what form of vaccine UNC will receive from week to week. University administrators expected to receive 800 injections in the first batch, but received only nasal mists instead.

Only 204 students showed up for vaccines Monday, some with appointments and some who just walked-in, though 234 students made appointments.

 The reason for the small turnout is unknown, but Sharon Morris, nurse and team leader for Monday’s clinic, said the location might have played a role.

Koza said the department tried to place clinics across campus, but decided on having the first clinic at the research center because of its close proximity to the hospitals and medical students.

“We still are trying to target health care students and employees,” she said.

But undergraduate students still made appearances at Monday’s clinic.

Andrea Ludtke, a junior journalism major, said she thought she was at risk for contracting the flu because of her age.

“I really can’t afford to miss class,” she said.

Koza said she wants students to consider the impact of sickness on their academic performance.

 “Right now is the perfect week to get vaccinated because you will have all of your immunity for exams,” she said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.