Georgia Southern University will be a dispensing sight for the new upcoming H1N1 vaccination.

According to Dr. Brian Deloach, Medical Director and Chief of Staff of Health Services at GSU, the CDC is currently developing a new vaccine for the H1N1 virus. The vaccine is due to come out sometime in October. There has not been a release date given so far. 

The vaccination will be free to students, and all students are encouraged to receive the vaccine. However, GSU Health Services does not currently know how much of the vaccine they will be receiving. 

“We hope we will be given enough to treat our population at Georgia Southern University but there is guarantee,” Deloach said.  

Deloach says the vaccine is given in a two shot series with 4 to 6 weeks given between the shots. 

According to the CDC’s website, the groups that are recommended to receive the vaccination include pregnant women, caregivers of young children, healthcare personnel, and those who have health issues that may have a higher risk of complications from influenza such as pulmonary heart and lung conditions, and asthma. 

People between the ages of six months and 24 years old are the most at risk for contracted the H1N1 virus.  According to Deloach, this age group has less immunity to the virus and should receive the vaccination. 

It is also important for students to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu virus. The H1N1 vaccine does not cover the seasonal flu. According to Deloach, it has not been determined whether the two vaccines can be taken at the same time, but early tests seem to say they can. 

The price of the seasonal flu vaccine is not yet known, but students will receive a significantly reduced price. 

According to Deloach, GSU has been preparing for the H1N1 virus, and students should not be worried.

“We know this virus is in Georgia and is in Bulloch… we made preparations in advance that we will continue through the fall,” Deloach said. 

The vaccine has not been released yet, but Health Services will be giving the shots this fall until the supply runs out. 

Symptoms: 

Fever

Cough

Soar throat

Nausea

Diarrhea 

 

What to do:

Isolate

Cover cough and sneeze with elbow

Wash hands frequently 

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