UW-Milwaukee Emergency Information

UWM H1N1 clinic set for Nov. 23

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:52:00 +0000

An H1N1 flu vaccine clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in the UWM Union Ballroom, with registration in the Fireside Lounge.

Because UWM has limited vaccines available, different admittance guidelines are being used for UWM clinics than at clinics elsewhere in the Milwaukee metro area.

The new group eligible for the Nov. 23 clinic is healthy UWM students, faculty or staff between the ages of 17 and 24.

Also eligible to attend the Nov. 23 clinic, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are UWM students, faculty or staff in any of the following target groups:

Pregnant women;
Healthcare workers with direct patient contact;
Caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months of age;
Individuals aged 17 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions; the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention has described “underlying medical conditions” as chronic lung disease (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic cardiac disease (e.g., congenital heart disease and coronary artery disease), diabetes, and obesity. It is not necessary to bring proof of the condition.

Those who qualify for receiving a vaccination must bring UWM identification because the clinic is not open to the public – it is only for UWM students, faculty and staff.

There is no cost for the vaccine.

UWM will provide doses to campus community members on a first-come, first-served basis as supply allows.

The clinic is co-sponsored by the UWM Norris Health Center, College of Nursing and Union staff with additional assistance from administrative volunteers.

Individuals who do not qualify for a UWM clinic are likely eligible for other area clinics that have larger supplies.

Information about City of Milwaukee clinics is online:

http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/2009SwineFlu

Individuals who live elsewhere can locate the nearest clinic online:

http://wisconsinfluclinic.info/

The university has still not received sufficient H1N1 vaccines to offer immunizations to all campus community members, although recent clinics have allowed ever-increasing numbers to be immunized.

The World Health Organization on Nov. 19 posted updated information about the safety of pandemic vaccines:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/briefing_20091119/en/

General information about H1N1 vaccines, including explanations of the different types of vaccines (flu shot and nasal spray), is online:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

The latest information about H1N1 flu pertinent to UWM is online:

http://www.flu.uwm.edu

Additional Options to get a 2009 H1N1 vaccine before Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:13:00 +0000

1. INDIVIDUALS AT HIGH RISK OF COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA OR AT RISK TO SPREAD TO OTHERS WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A VACCINE and *HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AGES 17 TO 24**

An H1N1 flu vaccine clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in the UWM Union Ballroom. UWM expects to have both injectable vaccine doses and intranasal doses available. UWM will provide these doses to students on a first-come, first-served basis as supply allows.

Eligibility for the Nov. 23 clinic is based on guidelines from the CDC, meaning vaccine will be administered to UWM students, faculty or staff in any of the following target groups:

Pregnant women;
Healthcare workers with direct patient contact;
Caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months of age;
Individuals aged 17 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described “underlying medical conditions” as chronic lung disease (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic cardiac disease (e.g., congenital heart disease and coronary artery disease), diabetes, and obesity.
Healthy individuals ages 17 to 24 years old “because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population”*

Those who qualify for receiving a vaccination should bring UWM identification to the clinic. There is no cost for the vaccine.

2. FOR HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS OVER THE AGE OF 24

In general, individuals in these categories have either a lower risk of complications from 2009 H1N1 or have less of a chance of getting 2009 H1N1.The City of Milwaukee has opened their clinics to the public. The latest information about city clinics is online at http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/2009SwineFlu. You can also check Wisconsin’s Flu Clinic Locator at http://wisconsinfluclinic.info/ for details of clinics that may be able to assist you.

The university has still not received sufficient H1N1 vaccines to offer immunizations to all campus community members. It is expected that more vaccines will be received to hold clinics the first week in December.

General information about H1N1 vaccines, including explanations of the different types of vaccines (flu shot and nasal spray), is online:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

The latest information about H1N1 flu pertinent to UWM is online:
http://www.flu.uwm.edu

*excerpt from the http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm accessed 11/22/09

UWM to hold H1N1 vaccine clinic on Nov. 19

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Monday, November 16, 2009

UWM to hold H1N1 vaccine clinic on Nov. 19

An H1N1 flu vaccine clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the UWM Union Ballroom, with registration in the Fireside Lounge. UWM expects to have approximately 550 injectable vaccine doses and 30 intranasal doses. UWM will provide these doses to campus community members on a first-come, first-served basis as supply allows. If UWM receives more doses by Thursday, the clinic may be opened to additional target groups.

Eligibility for the clinic is based on guidelines from the City of Milwaukee Health Department, meaning vaccine will be administered to UWM students, faculty or staff in any of the following target groups:

Pregnant women;
Healthcare workers with direct patient contact;
Caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months of age;
Individuals aged 17 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions;
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described “underlying medical conditions” as chronic lung disease (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic cardiac disease (e.g., congenital heart disease and coronary artery disease), diabetes, and obesity.

Those who qualify for receiving a vaccination should bring UWM identification to the clinic.

There is no cost for the vaccine.

The clinic is co-sponsored by the UWM Norris Health Center, College of Nursing and Union staff with additional assistance from administrative volunteers.

UWM is not expected to receive enough vaccine this week to offer immunizations to healthy 17- and 18-year-olds. The City of Milwaukee is expected to hold additional vaccine clinics very soon, and healthy 17- and 18-year-olds will be eligible for those clinics. Also eligible will be all of the target groups listed above. The latest information about city clinics is online:

http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/2009SwineFlu

The university has still not received sufficient H1N1 vaccines to offer immunizations to all campus community members. It is expected that more vaccines will be received in the future.

General information about H1N1 vaccines, including explanations of the different types of vaccines (flu shot and nasal spray), is online:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

The latest information about H1N1 flu pertinent to UWM is online:

http://www.flu.uwm.edu

More now eligible for Milwaukee H1N1 clinics

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:49:00 +0000

The City of Milwaukee Health Department has added “adults aged 19 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions” to its list of people eligible for its H1N1 vaccine clinics. Those clinics continue today and tomorrow, Nov. 13 and 14.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described “underlying medical conditions” as chronic lung disease (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), conditions associated with immunosuppression, chronic cardiac disease (e.g., congenital heart disease and coronary artery disease), diabetes, and obesity.

Vaccine will be administered to Milwaukee residents in the following target groups:

[RECENTLY ADDED TARGET GROUP] Adults aged 19 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions

Pregnant women

Children 6 months to 18 years of age

Healthcare workers with direct patient contact

Caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months of age

The Nov. 13 clinic is from 3 to 9 p.m. at South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham Blvd., about 7 miles southwest of campus.

The Nov. 14 clinic is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Middle School, 6850 N. 53rd St., about 7 miles northwest of campus.

More information, including a link to a downloadable consent form that can be filled out ahead of time, is online at http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/flu

Limited UWM H1N1 vaccine clinic on Nov. 12

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:51:00 +0000

There will be a very limited H1N1 vaccine clinic held for UWM students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Sandburg Residence Hall Flicks (first-floor movie theater).

Because the Norris Health Center has only about 150 total vaccine doses (some are nasal spray and the others are injectable), they will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals who are one of the following:

Pregnant
Healthcare students and employees who work directly with patients
Individuals who care for children less than 6 months old
17- or 18-year-olds who have a chronic medical condition (list below) that places them at higher risk of influenza-like complications

Chronic medical conditions include chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus); immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus); or receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Faculty and staff who are in the four high-priority groups listed above, and all students who are 18 and younger, can consider going to the latest City of Milwaukee Health Department vaccine clinics on Nov. 12, 13 and 14. More information about the Milwaukee Health Department clinics can be found here:

http://www.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/healthAuthors/ADMIN/PDFs/PressReleases/2009/111009_H1N1_clinic_advisory.pdf

All faculty and staff in the highest priority groups are asked to first consider the Milwaukee Health Department H1N1 clinics. UWM students are being more highly affected by H1N1 and often are unable to get to off-campus clinics. On Nov. 12, UWM will be able to accommodate only a limited number of faculty and staff who cannot go to the Milwaukee Health Department clinics.

City to hold H1N1 vaccine clinics

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:37:00 +0000

City to hold H1N1 vaccine clinics

The City of Milwaukee Health Department will hold two H1N1 vaccination clinics this week:

Thursday, November 5, 2-7 p.m., Sarah Scott Middle School, 1017 N. 12th
St. (about 4 miles southwest of campus); and

Friday, November 6, 4-9 p.m., South Division High School, 1515 W.
Lapham Blvd. (about 7 miles southwest of campus).

The vaccine at the Milwaukee clinics will be given to individuals who meet the criteria set by the State Division of Public Health:

Pregnant women
Children ages 6 months-18 years
Healthcare workers with direct patient contact
Caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months of age

More information about these clinics is online at
http://www.milwaukee.gov/health

As of today, Wednesday, November 4, UWM has NOT received sufficient 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccines to schedule additional campus clinics.

Eventually UWM hopes to offer H1N1 vaccinations to all students, faculty and staff. For any clinic held by UWM, there will be no charge for the vaccines.

The latest information about H1N1 flu pertinent to UWM can be found online at:
http://www.flu.uwm.edu

Information about the different types of vaccines available (flu shotand nasal spray) can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

UWM H1N1 vaccine clinic update

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:29:00 +0000

As of today, Wednesday, October 28, the UWM has NOT received sufficient 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccines to schedule additional clinics. There will not be a Nov. 3 mass public clinic as previously scheduled for UWM.

According to information available from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, delays in vaccine production have significantly reduced the amount of H1N1 vaccine available nationwide, and statewide vaccine supplies could remain limited during the next several weeks. Details from the state health department are at

http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=18170&locid=106

It appears likely that vaccines could arrive with minimal advance notice to the campus. Therefore, the times, dates and places of potential UWM clinics will probably be announced only a short time before they are held.

It also is likely that vaccine clinics will be limited to target groups determined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:

Pregnant women
Persons who live with or provide care for children aged less than 6 months (e.g. parents, siblings and daycare providers)
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
Children aged 6 months through 4 years, and
Children and adolescents aged 5-18 years who have chronic medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications. These conditions include chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus); or receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Students who fall into the above categories should get further instructions at the Norris Health Center website
http://www4.uwm.edu//norris/nhc_readmore.cfm#1021

Faculty and staff should be working closely with their personal healthcare provider and contacting their local public health department based on their residency to locate where they can receive H1N1 vaccine. Locate H1N1 availability at
http://www.wisconsinfluclinic.info/

The number and type of vaccine doses delivered to UWM will determine who will be admitted to UWM clinics. It is hoped that enough vaccines will be delivered to allow UWM to offer them to CDC’s next priority groups:

Individuals 19-64 with chronic medical conditions and
Healthy individuals 24 years and younger.

Eventually UWM hopes to offer H1N1 vaccinations to all students, faculty and staff.

For any clinic held by UWM, there will be no charge for the vaccines.

The latest information about H1N1 flu pertinent to UWM can be found online at:
http://www.flu.uwm.edu

The latest information about City of Milwaukee-run vaccine clinics, which was updated today, is available at:
http://www.milwaukee.gov/health

Information about the different types of vaccines available (flu shot and nasal spray) can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

H1N1 Public Vaccination Clinics Announced

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:54:00 +0000

The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) will administer H1N1 vaccine to City of Milwaukee residents on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Sara Scott Middle School, located at 1017 N. 12th Street. If vaccine supplies remain, clinics will also be held on Saturday, October 24 at both South Division High School, located at 1515 W. Lapham, and Sara Scott Middle School from 10-3PM.

More information...

Oct. 16, UWM receives first H1N1 vaccines

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:13:00 +0000

The UWM Norris Health Center has received its first delivery of 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccines.

Because UWM has received only a limited number of vaccines, the first H1N1 vaccine clinics are for UWM faculty, staff and students who are healthcare and emergency medical services personnel and who have direct patient contact through clinical rotations or as UWM employees. This is consistent with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ phased vaccine distribution plan.

For these people, two clinics will be held next week:

Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 3-7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom
Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3-7 p.m. in the Sandburg Flicks (first floor movie theater)

To be admitted to the clinic, UWM faculty, staff and students must bring campus identification plus current identification from a healthcare facility. A limited number of both types of vaccine (live attenuated nasal and inactivated injectable) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for the vaccines.

The UWM Norris Health Center is aggressively seeking to acquire a large number of additional vaccines, said Dr. Julie Bonner, center director. UWM will hold additional clinics as more vaccines are received. The first is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 3. Watch for the latest information at:
http://www.flu.uwm.edu

Also, the City of Milwaukee is hosting two H1N1 vaccination clinics for healthcare professionals who have direct patient contact from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. They will be at the Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road, and the Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd Street. More information is available at:
http://www.milwaukee.gov/health

For general information about H1N1 vaccines, please see:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics for UWM

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Oct. 8, 2009

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics for UWM

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics will be held next week for UWM faculty, staff and students.

The clinics will be held on a first-come, first-served basis in the Union Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 14; and Thursday, Oct. 15.

A UWM ID is required to receive a vaccine, which will cost $10 for students and $20 for faculty and staff.

UWM has been allotted a limited number of vaccine doses. Alternatives to the UWM vaccine clinics include going to a local Aurora Shoo The Flu Clinic, Walgreens Take Care Clinic or Walgreens store. More details can be found here:

http://emergency.uwm.edu/2009/09/seasonal-flu-and-h1n1-flu-vaccines.html

In related news, a vaccine for the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus is not yet available on the UWM campus.

Please visit the website maintained by the UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team – www.flu.uwm.edu – for pertinent web links and up-to-date information about flu and UWM.

Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines update, Sept. 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:24:00 +0000

The UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team has updated information about the vaccine that is available for seasonal flu and will be available for H1N1 flu.

SEASONAL FLU VACCINE UPDATE

National, state and local public health authorities recommend getting a seasonal flu vaccine as early as possible this flu season. In support of this recommendation we advise community members to take advantage of local resources that are offering flu vaccines right now:

**Walgreens Take Care Clinic at 1400 E. Brady St. provides the flu vaccine on weekdays (8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.) and weekends (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) for $24.95.

**Other Walgreens locations provide the flu vaccine daily in September from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Clinic details can be found at:

http://www.walgreens.com/topic/flu/flu_shots_faq.jsp

**Aurora Shoo the Flu clinics provide flu shots starting Sept. 29 for $30. Clinic details can be found at:

http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/vna/shooflu/index.asp

UWM Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics have been set for Oct. 12, 14-15. The clinics will run as supply allows. Vaccines cost $10 for students and $20 for faculty and staff. Due to anticipated high demand this year, UWM will not be opening clinics to surrounding community members.

Many primary healthcare providers are also giving flu shots currently. Those who have health insurance should check their coverage to see if the vaccine is covered.

Individuals should not wait to get a seasonal flu vaccine, especially if they have a high-risk medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes. Who should get a seasonal flu vaccine? See the recommendations at:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

UWM students who have a high-risk medical condition are encouraged to contact their primary medical provider or the Norris Health Center Office of Health Promotion and Wellness at 229-6668 for seasonal flu vaccine information.

H1N1 FLU VACCINE UPDATE

H1N1 vaccines, which were approved Sept. 17 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are a critical part of the national strategy to reduce illness and transmission of H1N1 virus. Prioritization groups have been established that include people ages 5-24, as well as individuals in other high-risk groups.

Details of these groups can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

More than 21,000 UWM students fall into the priority group based on age alone.

UWM is participating in the regional planning under way for H1N1 vaccine clinics in our community.

We have pre-registered with the state to receive a supply of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and have reserved dates during the first two weeks of November to provide free H1N1 vaccines in the UWM Union if supplies are available.

UWM H1N1 Vaccine Clinics would be open to UWM community members who meet the criteria set by state and national health officials. More information is available at:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

Please visit our flu Website – http://www.flu.uwm.edu – for the most up-to-date information about the flu, including our updated FAQ at:

http://emergency.uwm.edu/pdf/h1n1_faq.pdf

UWM H1N1 flu update for students, Sept. 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:07:00 +0000

To UWM students:

With a case of H1N1 flu on the UWM campus and more sure to follow, students need to take precautions and make plans.

The best first step? Bookmark http://flu.uwm.edu and become a frequent visitor.

At the site, you will find the latest news and most complete set of instructions written especially for UWM students.

Particularly useful is the document “What You Can Do About the Flu”:
http://emergency.uwm.edu/pdf/what_do_flu.pdf

It contains insights about precautions and planning, and what to do should you get the flu. Key points include:

Keep washing your hands frequently with soap and/or a hand-sanitizing gel.

Go home if you have flu-like symptoms (usually a fever of 100 degrees or more, and a cough or sore throat). Stay at home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. For most people, this will be three to five days, and they will recover fully on their own without medical treatment.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, and not into your hands.

Consider getting the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal influenza vaccine as they become available either through your healthcare provider or vaccine clinics on campus.

If you are home with the flu, contact your professor or instructor to discuss provisions to make up missed coursework or exams.

Please continue to monitor http://flu.uwm.edu – you can learn about updates as they are posted by following uwmsafety on Twitter – and watch your e-mail in box for more H1N1 information specifically written for UWM students.

--The UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team

UWM H1N1 flu update for faculty and Staff, Sept. 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Sept. 8, 2009

To UWM faculty and staff:

With a case of H1N1 flu on the UWM campus and more sure to follow, everyone needs to take precautions and make plans.

The best first step? Bookmark http://flu.uwm.edu and become a frequent visitor.

At the site, you will find the latest news and most complete set of instructions written especially for UWM students. Much of it applies to faculty and staff, too.

Particularly useful is the document “What You Can Do About the Flu”:
http://emergency.uwm.edu/pdf/what_do_flu.pdf

It contains insights about precautions and planning, and what to do should you get the flu. Key points include:

Keep washing your hands frequently with soap and/or a hand-sanitizing gel.

Go home if you have flu-like symptoms (usually a fever of 100 degrees or more, and a cough or sore throat). Stay at home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. For most people, this will be three to five days, and they will recover fully on their own without medical treatment.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, and not into your hands.

Consider getting the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal influenza vaccine from your healthcare provider.

If you are home with the flu, contact your department chair or supervisor.

--The UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team

H1N1 Flu update: 1 p.m., Aug. 27, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:25:00 +0000

From the UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team:

A flyer titled “Action Steps to Prevent the Spread of Flu” is being
distributed today for use across the UWM campus.

The one-page document, which describes four key aspects of avoiding
and/or dealing with influenza, was created by the communications
subcommittee of the team at the request of the Academic Deans Council.
The deans said they want to help broaden awareness of the flu and will
encourage all instructors to include the flyer in each course syllabus.

H1N1 Flu update: 4 p.m., Aug. 21, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:09:00 +0000

From the UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team:

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance to institutions for higher education for how they should respond to influenza during the upcoming academic year. The guidelines are designed “to help decrease the spread of flu among students, faculty, and staff of institutions of higher education.”

Among the many recommendations from the CDC are the following:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
Anyone experiencing flu-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

The UWM Pandemic Planning and Response Team has met throughout the summer to analyze the campus’s response to the H1N1 outbreak in spring 2009 and prepare for the anticipated return of the flu during the 2009-2010 academic year. It is reviewing these latest CDC recommendations and will be incorporating them into policies and procedures.

H1N1 Flu update: 8 a.m., June 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:05:00 +0000

To UWM Campus Community--

Last week, the World Health Organization raised the level of its pandemic influenza alert from phase 5 to phase 6—the highest possible level. This means that the H1N1 influenza virus outbreak is global (it has caused sustained community-level outbreaks in two or more countries and in two or more regions of the world).

Comprehensive information about the H1N1 virus can be found on the websites of WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No new guidelines were offered to the United States or Wisconsin when the phase 6 alert was announced.

On June 11, however, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius issued a joint letter urging schools to plan for a continuing response to the virus this fall. They relayed the concern, expressed by scientists and public health experts, that the virus at that time may be a more severe strain, causing more serious and life-threatening illness.

The CDC continues to recommend the following everyday actions to stay healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Additional guidelines are available online.

Please refer to the May 22, 2009, message for more information specific to UWM.

Students taking classes this summer at UWM are receiving information regarding protecting themselves and the community from H1N1 flu. Students and parents participating in UWM freshman orientation sessions this summer are also receiving information.

This website will be updated when there is a major event related to H1N1 flu.

For the most up-to-date general information, please use the links on the right of the flu website, which are updated frequently.

Sincerely,

UWM Emergency Operations Team

H1N1 Flu update: 8 a.m., May 22, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:24:00 +0000

To UWM Campus Community--

Over the past three weeks you have regularly received updates from the Campus Emergency Operations Team addressing H1N1 Flu and our community.

The rapidly evolving situation has now stabilized. The H1N1 virus, however, is still circulating in Milwaukee and on a national and international level. While it is now not daily news, H1N1 influenza continues to have significant impact on individuals in our community with cases continuing to be diagnosed. If a person is diagnosed, the recommendation by local public health authorities continues to be to remain out of the workplace and/or school for seven days.

Individuals who travel (particularly outside of the United States) may also be impacted as countries’ public health response to H1N1 flu has varied. Travelers to the Southern Hemisphere between May and October should be aware that they will be traveling in the middle of that region’s annual influenza season

The Campus Emergency Operations Team will continue to meet regularly throughout the summer, as will the Pandemic Influenza Planning and Response Team. Several smaller working groups will be reviewing continuity of operations plans for academic and other critical departments, policies related to student and faculty absenteeism, communication and healthcare delivery.

The Emergency Operations Team also will be working with state and local public health authorities to review the potential impacts at our university. Also as new individuals join our community this summer and fall, the team will be including information in their orientation materials that advise them to stay at home when ill and to practice good hygiene. More than 100 new hand sanitizers have been placed around campus to help all of us keep up with frequent hand-washing recommendations.

The team will be providing FAQs, general information, planning material and prevention tips throughout the summer. They can be found at www.flu.uwm.edu.

--Campus Emergency Operations Team

Flu Message to UWM Commencement Audience (May 13, 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Dear UWM Graduation Candidate,

As our planning for UWM’s May 17 Commencement ceremonies continues, we wanted to share with you the current information and insights being offered by the university and health care professionals regarding Novel Influenza A, which is also called H1N1 Flu and Swine Flu.

1. Both May 17 UWM ceremonies are currently scheduled to be held as planned. This is consistent with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Black Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and the Gold Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. More information about the ceremonies is available at http://www.grads.uwm.edu.

2. Health-care officials continue to stress that people experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home, and that frequent hand washing is the best way to limit the spread of influenza in our community.

3. Novel Influenza A is circulating in our community, with more than 300 cases in Milwaukee County as of May 11. The CDC recommends:

“Persons who are at high risk of complications from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 years or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where Novel Influenza A virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of complications from influenza should consider staying away from public gatherings.”

4. In addition to the restrooms with hand-washing facilities located throughout the U.S. Cellular Arena, the site of the commencement ceremonies, there will be limited hand sanitizers available. Bringing tissues and hand sanitizers for personal use is suggested.

5. The UWM Commencement will be available on DVD following the ceremonies for $10 each from the Office of the Secretary of the University: http://www.commencementdvd.uwm.edu

Campus authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, in communication with officials at the City of Milwaukee Health Department, and regularly updating information related to Novel Influenza A that is pertinent to UWM at www.emergency.uwm.edu.

Sincerely,

UWM Emergency Operations Team

H1N1 Flu update: 11:30 a.m., May 12, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:32:00 +0000

From the UWM Emergency Operations Team:

Today, three cases of H1N1 Flu were confirmed among the UWM community. None live in university housing. We anticipate that additional cases will be confirmed given the widespread nature of the virus in Milwaukee (319 confirmed cases in Milwaukee County as of May 11).

The local health departments from where the three UWM individuals reside are working primarily with the members of their households. All individuals exposed to the flu, including those who live in the same residence as a confirmed case, can continue their normal activities as outlined in local, state and national guidelines if they have no symptoms. Individuals should contact their health professional if they have concerns or medical problems and monitor themselves for symptoms.

UWM remains open, and final examinations and commencement are currently scheduled to proceed as planned.

Please continue to wash your hands frequently and stay home if you have flu-like symptoms. These are the best ways to limit the spread of influenza in our community.

For additional information on H1N1 Flu see the new UWM H1N1 Swine Flu FAQ

If you are a class instructor and have particular concerns about a potential case of H1N1 Flu in a class you teach, please contact Laura Pedrick in the Office of the Provost, (414) 229-3203, lpedrick@uwm.edu.

Any student who needs additional general assistance and has general questions during this time should be in touch with Office of the Dean of Students, 414-229-4632.

H1N1 Swine Flu Frequently Asked Questions

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:51:00 +0000

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
H1N1 Swine Flu Frequently Asked Questions

Printable version (pdf)

Q: What is the status of H1N1 (Swine Flu) on campus?

A: The university Emergency Operations Team continues its ongoing surveillance and risk assessment for campus. Regular updates will continue being posted to http://emergency.uwm.edu. The university is taking guidance from the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the CDC recommendations for colleges and universities.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm

Q. How will the university handle confirmed or probable cases of H1N1 on campus?

A. With guidance from the CDC and the City of Milwaukee Health Department as of 5/5/09 there are clear recommendations that support schools continuing their classes and large events. Initial guidance and actions by public health authorities were based on uncertainty about the severity of the illness, which is now suspected to be similar in severity to seasonal influenza.

You should periodically check this site for updates.

Q. What do I do if I’m sick leading up to or during final exams?

A. Contact your instructor or professor to discuss provisions to make up missed coursework or exams. Faculty and staff have been asked to be flexible in dealing with flu-related absences. Any student who needs additional general assistance or has general questions during this time should contact the Office of the Dean of Students, 414-229-4632. Any student who feels particularly anxious about the influenza situation or are in need of support at this stressful time of year, contact the Norris Health Center's Counseling Center at 414-229-4716.

CDC recommendations state that students with the flu, or experiencing symptoms (i.e., fever with either cough or sore throat) should stay in their dorm rooms or at home for
7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

Q. What about commencement ceremonies?

A. Based on advice from the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the CDC that canceling large events is unnecessary, UWM is proceeding with commencement ceremonies. Graduates and their guests are encouraged to participate but are advised to follow precautionary measures.

The university will provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility during the commencement ceremonies.

If you or someone in your family has the flu or is showing flu-like symptoms, please remain home and contact your physician. A part of good public health practice is to limit your contact with other people and to stay home to reduce the spread of the virus.

If you’re unable to attend commencement, your diploma will be mailed to the address listed in PAWS sometime in June.

Q. I am concerned about being exposed to H1N1. What should I do?

A. The best plan is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. UWM is doing everything in its power to reduce the risk of potential exposure on campus and has placed hand sanitizer stations in high-traffic areas. In general, you can follow your normal routine, including going to class and large group activities. Individuals who are at high risk for complications should, as per CDC recommendations, consider their risk of exposure attending large public gatherings and contact their personal health-care provider with questions.

Q. What if I have been exposed to the flu but have no symptoms?

A. There are many individuals being tested for H1N1 influenza in our community and we will get more information each day. The City of Milwaukee Health Department directly works with the households and close contacts of individuals who have been diagnosed with H1N1. If you are certain you’ve been directly exposed, you can follow the City of Milwaukee Health Department recommendations which currently state that asymptomatic contacts of ill patients, including contacts of patients with probable or confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1)/2009, are not restricted in their activities in the community. Individuals who fall into high risk categories should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. All individuals should assess their own health frequently, and if they become ill they should immediately contact their health professional.

Q. What are the symptoms of H1N1 and how are they different from other
illnesses?

A. With the information that we have currently have, H1N1 symptoms appear to be similar to seasonal influenza. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Some of these symptoms overlap with common spring issues that students experience, such as colds, strep throat, mono or a flare of seasonal allergies. If your temperature is above 100 degrees and you have other symptoms described above, call your health care provider for advice.

Q. If I’m experiencing flu-like symptoms, what should I do?

A. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay home or go home.

It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.
Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns or you or someone you are in close contact with are at high risk for flu complications. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. As the flu has become more wide spread, CDC and local public health authorities have issued guidance that in general, individuals with mild illness who are not at risk for complications or healthcare workers do not usually need to be tested or treated, but should work with their health professional.
Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza.
Visit the CDC’s information as of 5/7/09: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Q. What if I do have the flu or flu-like symptoms and live in the residence halls?

A. Stay in your dorm room and call your health care provider and the Norris Health Center at 414-229-4716. If you are advised to isolate yourself and are unable to return home, University Housing has a limited number of rooms where you could follow your health-care provider’s recommendation to remain isolated. Contact University Housing at 414-229-6123 and ask to speak to the RPM on Duty.

Q. If I have general questions about H1N1, whom should I contact?

A. There are several links to health resources on the emergency.uwm.edu site. You may also call the City of Milwaukee hotline at 414-286-3616. Norris patients can call 414-229-6668 to get their general questions answered as well.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) update: 6 p.m. May 7, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Even though all individuals seen and tested at the UWM Norris Health Center have had negative results, the reality is the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is circulating in the community. There is the possibility that one or more cases of H1N1 flu will be identified within a member of our UWM community.

That said, UWM remains open and continues to expect the schedule for classes, final examinations and commencement to proceed as planned. This perspective is consistent with the evolving response strategy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The UWM Emergency Operations Team continues to meet and today developed the following suggestions related to campus community developments:

If you are aware of a potential case of H1N1 Flu and are concerned that you have been in contact with that individual, please contact your healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals are working with the City of Milwaukee Health Department and other local health departments. The health departments are the central repository for such information and do the case investigations. UWM health officials are in frequent contact with city health officials.
If you are a class instructor and have particular concerns about a potential case of H1N1 Flu in a class you teach, please contact Laura Pedrick in the Office of the Provost, (414) 229-3203, lpedrick@uwm.edu. Note that in her May 5, 2009, message to the campus, Provost Rita Cheng asked faculty and staff to be flexible in dealing with flu-related absences. The City of Milwaukee Health Department is not recommending that classes or exams be canceled in the event that a student in the class is diagnosed with H1N1, and the Division of Academic Affairs asks that affected students handle makeup work or exams on an individual basis with their instructors.
Any student who needs additional general assistance and has general questions during this time should be in touch with Office of the Dean of Students, 414-229-4632.
Any student feeling particularly anxious about the influenza situation or in need of support at this stressful time of year should contact the Norris Health Center's Counseling Center at 414-229-4716.
Please continue to wash your hands frequently and stay home if you have flu-like symptoms. These are the best ways to limit the spread of influenza in our community.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) update (6 p.m. May 5, 2009)

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:08:00 +0000

May 5, 2009

To UWM Students:

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, the UWM Emergency Operations Team has not been informed of any confirmed or probable cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) at UWM.

The campus continues to remain open and regular attendance policies are in effect. Students are expected to attend classes if not sick. We fully expect the schedule for the last week of classes, final examinations, and commencement to proceed as planned.

In a message this morning to UWM faculty and staff, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Rita Cheng requested instructors’ cooperation with respect to students who may be affected by the influenza. She asked for an accommodation for students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms by excusing their absence from class and making provisions for them to make up missed course work or exams.

Any student who needs additional general assistance and has general questions during this time should be in touch with Office of the Dean of Students, 414-229-4632. Any student feeling particularly anxious about the influenza situation or in need of support at this stressful time of year should contact the Norris Health Center's Counseling Center at 414-229-4716.

The complete message from Provost Cheng can be seen at the UW-Milwaukee Emergency Information website:

http://www.emergency.uwm.edu/

Please continue to monitor that website for UWM-specific information related to H1N1 Flu. And please continue to wash your hands frequently and stay home if you have flu-like symptoms. These are the best ways to limit the spread of influenza in our community.
_______________________________________________

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Message to Faculty and Staff

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Colleagues,

As of 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, we have not been informed of any confirmed or probable cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) at UWM. We fully expect the schedule for the last week of classes, final examinations, and commencement to proceed as planned.

As Milwaukee deals with an increasing number of H1N1 influenza cases, I would like to request your cooperation with respect to students who may be affected. I ask that you make an accommodation for students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms by excusing their absence from class and making provisions for them to make up missed course work or exams. Students should not come to campus if they show the following symptoms of flu: fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and cough or sore throat.

If students who are not sick seek accommodations, please emphasize that the campus is open and that regular attendance policies are in effect. If you are concerned about a student who is feeling particularly anxious about the situation, or feel that a student needs support, please refer him/her to the Dean of Students, Jim Hill, (jimhill@uwm.edu) who will determine how to best work with the student's concerns during this stressful time.

Campus authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, in communication with officials at the City of Milwaukee Health Department, and regularly updating information related to H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) at www.emergency.uwm.edu. If a change in course is warranted we will notify you as quickly as possible.

Rita Hartung Cheng
Provost and Vice Chancellor
UW-Milwaukee

H1N1 flu (swine flu) update: 6 p.m. May 3, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:23:00 +0000

May 3, 2009

This update about UWM and H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is based on discussions today of the UWM Emergency Operations Team.

As of 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3, UWM is not recommending the cancellation of any university events including classes.

While there are a growing number of cases in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area, at this time we have no reports of a case on campus.

Please remember: good practices such as frequent hand washing and staying home if you have flu-like symptoms are our best tools to continue to limit the spread of influenza in our community.

The City of Milwaukee has a hotline, 414-286-3616, and the team encourages you to call that number for general information.

Learn the latest UWM information related to swine flu and find links to key public health websites at http://www.emergency.uwm.edu/

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) update, 1 p.m. May 1, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (UWM Emergency Site) — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:08:00 +0000

May 1, 2009

This is an update on Swine Influenza A (H1N1) here at UWM and is based
on discussions at today’s meeting of the UWM Emergency Operations Team:

As of 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, UWM is not recommending the cancellation of any university events including classes.
The City of Milwaukee has a hotline, 414-286-3616, and the team encourages you to call that number for general information.
Learn the latest UWM information related to swine flu and find links to key public health websites here at http://www.emergency.uwm.edu/