With the recent spread of swine Flu, TAMIU is ready to vaccinate its students and prepare for anything. Associate Student Health Services Director Elizabeth Dodier says the university is preparing as well as possible for H1N1 with the new vaccine.
“It is a complicated process to receive such a vaccine. We had to register with the Texas Department of Texas Health and then order 3,000 vaccines for the university which we are still waiting approval on. The university also had to prove that it was a medical provider and was going to provide the vaccine for free,” Dodier said.
With an order of 3,000 vaccines underway to the university students will be able to take the vaccine free of charge. According to Dodier the student health service really wants to target the risk group of students ages 16 to 24.”
According to medical research students that are 16- 24 are the most at risk in catching the H1N1 virus then others; not to say that others should not consider taking the virus,” Dodier said.
The Texas Health Department is taking this a step further by having each vaccination registered to make sure that all are being used. Dodier added that there is paperwork to deal with as the government is keeping track of each vaccination. TAMIU’s student nurses could receive some valuable experience in the vaccination effort, too.
“We are hoping to confirm with the Nursing School at TAMIU to have student nurses help out with the vaccination demand,” Dodier said. “We would also have special clients throughout the campus that would provide the H1N1 Flu shot. As of now these are the ideas in place.”
The vaccination will help people develop an anti-biotic in order to fight the H1N1 virus.
Anyone needing further information on any student health care matter should contact Student Health Services at 956-326-2230 or visit the Student Center, Room 124.