In response to increasing numbers of H1N1 influenza cases in the United States the University's emergency response team has activated efforts to gather information, including regular contact with local and federal public health authorities, and take appropriate proactive steps for the campus community. Plans put in place over the past several years to address other global outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as SARS and Avian Flu, help to inform Georgetown's approach to the most appropriate responses to the H1N1 virus. This website provides community messages and resources that provide relevant information about the situation for the University community.
Updated December 18, 2009 5:00 p.m.
Consistent with trends throughout the United States, and in the D.C. metro area, Georgetown University is reporting students with influenza like illness on campus. To date, approximately 750 students have sought medical advice or evaluation for influenza-like symptoms since the semester began. The vast majority of students have experienced relatively mild symptoms, were ill for a limited period of time, and have recovered.
To date, the D.C. Department of Health has provided Georgetown University with a total of 3,700 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine in the intranasal and injectable forms. In accordance with guidelines set-forth by health authorities, the university has administered the vaccine to Georgetown healthcare workers and EMT's (medical students, nursing students, GERMS) and hosted several on-campus H1N1 vaccine clinics. None of the vaccines distributed at these clinics were affected by the recent recall of pediatric doses of H1N1 vaccine.
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal or H1N1 flu can get a vaccinated against these viruses at any point during the flu season. Georgetown plans to host additional seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine clinics during the spring semester should more vaccine becomes available. Up to date information about seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine availability on campus can be found on the Student Health Center website.
Previous Community Messages
- Campus Update on H1N1 Influenza (December 3, 2009)
- Campus Update on H1N1 Influenza (October 30, 2009)
- Campus Update on H1N1 Influenza (September 24, 2009)
- A Campus Update on H1N1 (September 9, 2009)
- Letter to faculty and staff regarding H1N1 flu (August 31, 2009)
- Letter to parents regarding H1N1 flu (August 28, 2009)
- Letter to students on H1N1 as they return to campus (August 28, 2009)
- Campus Update: H1N1 flu (June 13, 2009)
- Campus Update: H1N1 flu (May 13, 2009)
- Campus Update: H1N1 flu (May 5, 2009)
- Campus update: H1N1 flu (May 1, 2009)
- Letter sent to students, faculty and staff (April 29, 2009)
- Letter sent to parents of undergraduate students (April 29, 2009)
- Campus Advisory: H1N1 flu (April 28, 2009 9:00 a.m. ET)
