The H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone 24 years old or younger, a group the Center for Disease Control (CDC) named as one of the targets to receive the vaccine. Other "at risk" groups include pregnant women, health care professionals and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
H1N1, more commonly known as Swine flu, has caused a media frenzy since its outbreak in the U.S. in April 2009, causing President Obama to term the outbreak a "pandemic."
"Most people have little to no immunity against [H1N1]," said Kelly Sullivan, a 9th-semester pharmacy major and project chair of the UConn chapter of Operation Immunization, organized by the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP).
H1N1 is a "completely different" strain of the flu, according to Sullivan. This is why most people, who may have some immunity against the regular seasonal flu, may be affected by Swine flu.
Operation Immunization is working to promote immunization among college students by educating them about H1N1 as well as offering vaccination clinics in conjunction with Student Health Services.
"Not only are we promoting our profession [as future pharmacists], but we are really promoting the health of other people," said Sullivan.
Vaccines will be available for anyone 24 years old or younger at the upcoming vaccination clinics held by Student Health Services on Monday, Nov. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the Student Union Ballroom.
Healthy individuals will receive the nasal vaccine, which contains a live, weakened virus. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing or suffer from chronic illness will receive the intramuscular vaccine, administered via a shot.
"There are very few side effects to the vaccine," said Sullivan, citing that many people are concerned about the live virus contained in the nasal vaccine.
Receiving the nasal vaccination is also a much quicker process than the intramuscular shot, as students do not have to wait for the usual 20 minutes after receiving it.
"You can literally come in between classes, get the nasal vaccine, and then leave," said Sullivan.
Students interested in receiving the vaccine at one of the upcoming clinics must pre-register at the Student Health Services Web site. The vaccines are free.
"By protecting yourself, you are protecting others," said Sullivan, adding that by getting yourself vaccinated, you are preventing passing H1N1 on to someone for whom it could potentially be fatal. "We have [the vaccines] available to us, so we should use them."
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