August 27, 2009

Dear CSB/SJU students,

Welcome back to campus. In light of much recent national public health focus on the H1N1 influenza virus (formerly referred to as “Swine Flu”), we are writing to provide an update on related preparations underway at CSB/SJU.  Colleges and universities around the country have been encouraged by federal, state and local authorities to have plans in place to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.  We take these cautions seriously and are actively planning for a variety of contingencies that could impact student and employee health and safety. 

We continue to encourage all students to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which recommends:

• frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers (hand sanitizers are available for use throughout the residence halls and other campus buildings)
• covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• avoiding contact with those who are sick
• knowing the signs and symptoms of the flu
• staying home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever in order to avoid potential spread of illness

The CDC is also recommending the seasonal flu vaccine as a precautionary measure. All CSB and SJU students are encouraged to speak with their personal health care provider or visit the CSB Health Center or Health Partners – Saint John’s Campus regarding their need for a seasonal flu vaccine or for the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. 

CSB Student Vaccine Options

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Effective immediately, CSB students can receive a seasonal flu vaccine at CSB Health Services by scheduling an appointment.  Seasonal flu vaccine clinics will also be scheduled and students will receive information regarding the clinics via e-mail and posters on bulletin boards.  To schedule an individual appointment for a seasonal flu vaccine or other health concerns, students should contact CSB Health Services at ext. 5605.  
• H1N1 Flu Vaccine: CSB Health Services will heed the recommendations of MDH with regard to the H1N1 vaccine and is currently applying to receive the vaccine in order for it  to be administered on campus. 

SJU Student Vaccine Options

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine: SJU Students can receive the seasonal flu vaccine at the HealthPartners Clinic - Saint John's Campus by scheduling an appointment Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  The HealthPartners clinic is a fee for service clinic that welcomes all major insurances. 
• H1N1 Flu Vaccine: SJU students can receive the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available at Health Partners Clinic-Saint John’s Campus  or at other health care providers located in St. Cloud.  

We are actively monitoring information and recommendations regarding the H1N1 flu and influenza-like illnesses.  Coordination and communication are some of our strongest tools in addressing this situation. We will keep you apprised of any news and guidance as it becomes available from local, state and national resources.  Please refer to this Web site for information and updates as they become available.  Additionally, the links to the right also provide useful information regarding influenza and the H1N1 virus.

If you have additional questions or concerns, you are encouraged to discuss them with your Residence Director (RD) or Faculty Resident (FR). 

Thank you,

Emergency Health Planning Steering Committee 
Jon McGee, Vice President for Planning and Public Affairs (CSB/SJU)
Jody Terhaar, Dean of Students (CSB)
Mike Connolly, Dean of Students (SJU)
Patti Epsky, Executive Assistant to the President (SJU)
Emily Cook, Executive Assistant to the President (CSB)