It's not too late to get your H1N1 vaccine!

H1N1 flu vaccines are available for the Western Carolina University campus community.  Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the free vaccine. University Health Services has received shipments of both the injectable and nasal-spray varieties of the vaccine for immunization to qualified individuals. 

There are certain restrictions that might prohibit you from qualifying for the nasal spray.  Please review the following information carefully.  If you meet any of the criteria listed below, you will not be able to receive the nasal spray.

• People younger than 2 years of age;
• Pregnant women;
• People 50 years of age and older;
• People with a medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;
• Children younger than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing;
• Children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;
• People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder of the nervous system, within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine,
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components

University Health Services will continue to supply immunizations to the campus community until the supply is depleted.

In addition, University Health Services has a small amount of seasonal flu vaccines. The cost of the injection is $12 per patient.

Students, faculty and staff can receive the vaccination at University Health Services during regular immunization clinic hours. Call (828) 227-7640 for an appointment.

Pam Buchanan