The Health Service continues to identify sporadic cases of influenza-like illness in students. We will continue to offer H1N1 vaccine to all students. Please call the Health Service at 508-793-7467 to schedule an appointment for vaccination. There is no charge for vaccine. You are required to wait in the Health Service 15 minutes following administration of the vaccine.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend continuing vaccination with 2009 H1N1 vaccine for the following reasons:

* The timing, spread and severity of influenza viruses is uncertain. Outbreaks of influenza may occur in different places at different times.
* Outbreaks may occur in waves of 6-  to 8-week time periods. These waves of influenza may occur over several months or years. Different people may be affected during each wave.
* In past pandemics, “waves” of activity have been observed. The first wave is usually a smaller wave, followed by a larger “peak” wave. Subsequent smaller waves can occur as well.
* The United States experienced its first wave of 2009 H1N1 pandemic activity in the spring of 2009. A second wave of 2009 H1N1 activity followed in the fall (with activity peak in October).