With the seasonal drop in temperature and global fears of an avian flu epidemic, many students and staff are looking toward flu shots for protection against cold weather illnesses. However, some members of the Bowdoin community may have to look beyond Bowdoin for vaccinations this season.
A recent email from College Physician and Director of Health Services Dr. Jeff Benson notified the campus that the Dudley Coe Health Center has received a supply of flu vaccines, but there are currently only enough to meet the demands of those who qualify as high-risk patients. Such high-risk patients include those with any chronic lung or heart disease, including asthma, or any chronic disease of the blood, kidneys or immune system. A member of the Bowdoin community may also receive a vaccination if he or she works in the Children's Center or has household contact with infants.
"Traditionally, 500 to 600 people are administered the flu shot at Dudley Coe per year," Benson said. "Of these, about 300 to 400 are students." Aside from the students, there are faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the community who take advantage of Bowdoin's yearly supply.
Dr. Benson confirmed that there is a large enough quantity of shots to meet the high-risk demand and that more supplies are on the way.
"Our supplier has not provided us with a fixed date," he said, "but we don't expect to be waiting for more than two to three weeks."
After the initial email was released, there was a small frenzy of replies requesting attention. While the health center was forced to make some electronic rejections, there is no fear that anyone will be excluded once the rest of the supply is delivered.
"It's not like last year, when they weren't given a supply of vaccines," said Hayley McHugh '09. "I can wait."
The flurry of emails requesting vaccines that were received by Dudley Coe Health Center may have been fueled by anxiety related to the H5N1 avian flu virus. While the College has no specific plans in anticipation of this flu being spread from human to human, Benson says the health staff will be working closely with the Maine Bureau of Health in the event that the avian flu becomes a concern in the United States. Thus far, he feels there is no reason for alarm.
The first round of vaccines will be administered this Friday and more vaccines will be available shortly.
Hannaford Brothers Company in Brunswick is holding a flu shot clinic on November 4.