Briefly speaking: H1N1 vaccination still urged

The number of cases of H1N1 flu are on the decline at UC Davis and statewide, but it's still important for students to get vaccinated, according to Tom Ferguson, medical director of Student Health Services.

"We have plenty of H1N1 vaccine available and are encouraging vaccination, per state health and (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations," he said.

Ferguson, who also serves as an assistant public health officer for Yolo County, says he hasn't seen any seasonal flu reports this season in the county. The campus' supply of seasonal flu vaccine was exhausted in the fall quarter, and Student Health Services hasn't been able to obtain more. However, students are still encouraged to contact another health care provider or pharmacy for availability.

Maggie Selenski, a registered nurse and quality improvement coordinator at the student health center, said 902 students reported or sought treatment for influenza-like symptoms between Sept. 1 and Feb. 3. Student Housing said 40 residents presented flu-like symptoms.

The number of students presenting or contacting an advice nurse about flu-like symptoms at the student health center decreased from a high of 543 in October to 26 in December and 44 in January.

Through January, the student health center had vaccinated about 2,375 students for the seasonal flu and more than 1,800 students for the H1N1 flu.

The campus has offered more than a dozen vaccination clinics for the H1N1 flu and nine for the seasonal flu; Yolo County is also holding vaccination clinics in area communities. In addition to hosting H1N1 clinics, Student Health Services offers H1N1 vaccination by appointment. The cost is $10 for students, regardless of insurance coverage. Fees are billed directly to a student's campus account.

The campus H1N1 Web site offers updates about the H1N1 flu on campus, including information about clinics, health precautions and campus preparations.