October 27, 2009

Dear Wittenberg Parents,

We write to update you on recent H1N1 activity on our campus. Over the past two weeks, our medical staff reports seeing several students who likely have the H1N1 virus. Thankfully, most cases have been mild and most infected students have been able to go home to recuperate. We have increased cleaning of bathrooms and other common areas to reduce the spread of infection and continue to encourage frequent hand washing, coughing into one’s sleeve and getting enough rest and good nutrition as preventative measures.

We received our first shipment of H1N1 vaccine late last week. It was a very small amount (only 100 doses) but is likely the first of several shipments. On Friday, we began vaccinating our high risk students—those who have immunodeficiency disease, asthma, diabetes, or those who are pregnant or caring for infants 6 months of age or less. We still have some vaccine left and will continue to vaccinate during non health clinic hours (Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning) until it is gone. We communicate with the student body several times per week and update them about the availability of the vaccine and what they need to know to stay healthy.

Vaccination for H1N1 is a choice and we hope you have had conversations with your Wittenberg student about your expectations regarding the vaccine. There is no cost for the vaccine, but students must pre-register on the Ohio Department of Health web site: https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov/ We will continue to communicate with our students, but your assistance is greatly appreciated in getting the word out.

As always, please know that the health and well being of your sons and daughters continue to be our priority.

Cordially,

Sarah M. Kelly, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

Kathryn G. McKee, M.D.
Medical Director
Wittenberg Health and Counseling Center