(Sept. 14, 2009) As per public health guidelines, it is recommended that students, staff and faculty be vaccinated against the regular, seasonal flu through their health care provider or other vaccine providers. Flu shot clinics also are being held on both UC Denver campuses, starting next week (see Get a Flu Shot). More than the usual number of doses have been ordered for these on-campus clinics, but supplies are limited.
Vaccines for the 2009 H1N1 flu most likely will be available after mid-October. Details about distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be provided by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment at a later date.
Adjustments to classroom absence policies are being considered at the school/college and department level. Faculty members should consult with their dean or department chair. Students should ask their instructor.
Schools/colleges and administrative departments should review and update their Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to ensure that it will accommodate absenteeism of up to 40 percent. More information about COOP planning is available by calling Essi Ellis 303-724-1031 or essi.ellis@ucdenver.edu.
The most effective prevention measures are covering your cough/sneeze and washing your hands frequently. More hand sanitizers will be installed in buildings on both campuses in coming weeks.
The Human Resources Department is setting up a mechanism to collect reports of absences among staff and faculty. Absences among students will be tracked by way of sampling of large classes where attendance is taken. The Chancellor’s H1N1 Task Force thanks the leadership of the Biology and Chemistry departments for their help in this sampling process on the Downtown Campus. Large classes at Anschutz will be identified for similar surveillance sampling.
The Chancellor’s H1N1 Task Force will meet weekly to review preparations. Reports from the Task Force will be distributed via regular communication channels (Network, dean’s newsletters, student communications vehicles and www.UCDenver.edu/flualert). Urgent communications will be distributed to students, faculty and staff via e-mail. A Frequently Asked Questions document also will be regularly updated.