 "Photo: Photo by Tyler George")
 "Photo: Photo by Lahna Dixon")
With H1N1, more commonly known as Swine flu, still a present concern to our health, many Modesto Junior College students are probably wondering when the vaccine will be available to them. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait at least awhile longer. Due to the high demand, Stanislaus County hasn’t even received the vaccine yet, and neither have the schools. School officials are trying to get the vaccines soon and make them accessible to all students and faculty.
“We requested a few thousand vaccines from the state but we don’t know how much we’ll receive or when we’ll get it, right now we’re just waiting in line. We’re anticipating sometime in November, but we don’t know, so we’ll post something as soon as we get it,” said Antoinette Herrera, Director of Health Services.
In the meantime, Herrera remains adamant that students take the proper care and precautions against the ordinary seasonal flu. On November fourth, the MJC Health Department will be giving out free cups of chicken noodle soup on East Campus for one hour. They are also giving out free health kits full of items such as Purell sanitizing wipes, cough drops, Kleenex, and reusable thermometers.
“Our plan is to keep everyone aware of the flu in general, the flu vaccine clinics started last week, and the vaccines are going fast,” Herrera said.
According to Herrera, there’s a misunderstanding about the flu shots. The shot is only given to people at high risk (those over 50, people with diabetes, asthma, etc.), everyone else will receive the mist vaccination, which is given through the nose. While the mist is just as effective and will get you through the flu season, the actual injection vaccine lasts a couple of months longer.
The wait for the H1N1 vaccine will take a little longer, but in the meantime, try to keep yourself healthy by getting yourself vaccinated for the seasonal flu and by following these guidelines:
•Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, to stop the spread of germs.
•Cover your coughs and sneezes (cough or sneeze into an arm or shoulder or into a tissue).
•Keep your distance from people who are coughing.
•Avoid sharing personal items such as eating/drinking utensils, toothbrushes, and towels, especially with people that are already sick.
•Eat well, get plenty of rest, be active, and don't smoke.
Be the first to comment on this article!