Health officials are predicting a more-active flu season this year and have been closely following the progress of H₁N₁ as it continues to move across the United States and the world. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that although H₁N₁ is highly contagious, it is typically no less severe than the common flu, having mild to moderate symptoms.

Prevention and keeping healthy are the best tools for fighting the transmission of the H₁N₁ virus and the more common seasonal flu.

Claremont McKenna College, along with The Claremont University Consortium (CUC), has preparedness plans in place to guard the health of our students, faculty, and staff. We are closely monitoring developments from key sources of reliable information including the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC, and we are in close contact with state and local public health officials. Units across CMC's campus—including the CUC Student Health Services, Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, Human Resources, Campus Facilities, and others—are committed to sharing information in a timely and coordinated manner.

Seasonal Flu Shots

Flu shots will be available through The CUC Student Health Services by appointment beginning October 21. The cost is $20. Below is the schedule for flu clinics on campus:

For 5C Students

• Wed. 10/21 – POMONA Frank Private Dining Room
  (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Fri. 10/23 – SCRIPPS Mallott Lower Dining Room
  (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Tues. 10/27 – HMC Honch-Shanahan
  (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Thurs. 10/29 – CMC Collins Private Dining Room
  (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Wed. 11/11 – PITZER McConnell Living Room
  (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

For Faculty & Staff (limited to faculty and staff at the Consortium and CUC)

• Wed. 11/4 – Tranquada Student Service Building – Multipurpose Room (3:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
• Wed. 11/25 – Tranquada Student Service Building – Multipurpose Room (11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Students, staff, and faculty may also contact their primary-care provider or participate in local flu clinics offered through the City of Claremont and pharmacies. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to receive a seasonal flu shot.

H₁N₁ Vaccine

A two-shot vaccine for H₁N₁ is scheduled to be released later this year. People under the age of 24 are a priority group. Student Health Services will update the Claremont community when the vaccine is available on campus. Or, you may contact your regular healthcare provider.

According to the CDC, the H₁N₁ has been modified for use as a vaccine. However, the production of the vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete and will require testing in clinical trials. See the CDC website for more information about the H₁N₁ vaccine.