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» Letter to RISD Students Regarding Attendance Policies | 09.17.09
» Letter to RISD Students + Families | 09.03.09
» Letter to RISD Faculty + Staff | 09.11.09
H1N1 Vaccine Update | 11.05.09: RISD will offer H1N1 vaccinations as soon as the
RI Department of Health delivers the vaccine to colleges and universities in Rhode Island.
At this point, the CDC is estimating that campuses nationwide will have the vaccine around mid-December.
In the meantime, availability of the H1N1 vaccine in the state of RI is available only at pediatrician's
and obstetrician's offices in limited amounts, as well as grammar school flu clinics. If a student has
an underlying medical condition, we advise them to contact their private physician to check availability.
As soon as we have an exact date, time and guidelines for distribution of the H1N1 vaccine on campus for RISD
students from RIDOH, we will notify students via email with specific information and will
also post it on this page.
H1N1 PREPARATION: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ORDERING SUPPLIES
As you know, we continue to prepare for a potential, widespread flu outbreak
on campus. Part of that planning involves ordering supplies for each department
that may help to mitigate the spread of germs that can lead to H1N1 and seasonal
flu.
Recognizing that it is vitally important for the RISD community and our visitors
to practice good health habits, hygiene, and respiratory etiquette on campus,
RISD has installed extra hand sanitizers across campus, and masks, tissues,
and wipes will be available for purchase at the RISD store.
In addition, the appropriate supplies for minimizing the spread of the virus
in various spaces can be ordered via the Facilities work order system on RISDs
intranet at http://workorders.risd.edu/home.html. The following supplies are
available:
Kleenex
Hand wipes (for hands only)
Hard surface wipes (computer keyboards, phones)
Bulk Purell dispensers and refills (for hands only)
Hard surface sanitizer and paper towels (table tops, desks, work benches, tools)
If you have any questions about what to order for your specific work or academic
areas, please contact Facilities at x6484. Many of these supplies are on backorder,
so getting requests in as soon as possible is recommended.
Staying Healthy During Flu Season
According to federal and state health officials, H1N1 flu has, to date, been
similar to regular seasonal flu, relatively mild, and responsive to treatment.
Their primary focus has therefore been to urge individuals to take normal precautions,
to monitor reports of illness, and to encourage appropriate steps to mitigate
the further spread of illness when and where it occurs. We have been consulting
regularly with the Rhode Island Department of Health [RIDOH] and following
its recommendations in this regard.
Nevertheless, because the H1N1 virus continues to circulate in Rhode Island
(and around the world), and because officials do anticipate that the rate for
H1N1 will increase this fall flu season, RIDOH recommends that all Rhode Islanders
take steps to be prepared and protect well-being. While RISD Health Services
is always available for students, we recommend that each incoming student bring
their own hand sanitizer, tissues and a thermometer.
You can also assist in this effort by continuing to follow the Centers for
Disease Control recommendations:
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water
are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
* Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have just washed your
hands.
* If you experience any flu-like symptoms - fever, cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue - seek prompt medical
attention.
* Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
* People under the age of 24 are encouraged
by the CDC to get the H1N1 vaccine once it is available.
*The CDC is also recommending that students get the seasonal flu vaccine.
Staff and faculty Flu shots September 23, 2009 | 11am-3pm
Prov/Wash 3rd floor conference room.
Note: this is earlier in the season than usual, per the CDC recommendation.
In addition, if you experience any flu-like symptoms - fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue - seek
prompt medical attention. Being proactive in seeking assistance should greatly
diminish the severity and length of illness and help prevent its further spread.
RISD Health Services
Homer Hall (The Quad)
401.454.6625
Monday thru Friday: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
» Rhode Island Department of Health
» Centers for Disease Control |
