Parent Information

Dear Parents,

A great deal of media attention has focused on the novel H1N1 influenza (formerly called "swine flu") since it was first identified in April 2009. As we prepare for the upcoming fall semester, we at Baylor University want parents to know that this summer we have been actively developing programs and plans in the area of student health and are already preparing for flu season. We also are asking for your help in ensuring that our students arrive and stay healthy on our campus.

Baylor University Health Services has begun an active education program to improve awareness on campus of the spread of infectious illness such as novel H1N1 flu. The most important things students can do to prevent the spread of infection is to wash their hands often, avoid sharing drinks and food, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or shirt fabric, stay home when ill, and get their influenza vaccine. Your help in reinforcing these health tips with your son or daughter will help greatly in this educational effort.

You also can help by strongly encouraging your son or daughter to get vaccinated for flu. This year we will provide two different types of flu shots. The first will be the seasonal influenza vaccine which we provide every year in September or October. This vaccine is provided at a nominal cost in a series of "flu shot clinics" held in various locations through campus to make it convenient for students. Dates and locations for upcoming clinics will be communicated shortly after the start of the fall semester, and we encourage every student to consider getting the vaccine. If a student misses all of our clinics, he or she can make a nurse visit appointment by calling 254-710-1010, and receive the influenza vaccine in the University Health Center.

The second type of vaccine specifically targets the H1N1 influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts this vaccine will be available sometime in December and will most likely consist of two injections, given one month apart. We will make every effort to obtain the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Depending on when this vaccine is provided to us, we will plan flu shot clinics for the H1N1 influenza as well. We encourage every student to consider being vaccinated for H1N1 flu, also.

Please reinforce to your son or daughter the importance of these infection prevention efforts. We are also urging parents to send students to school with a thermometer so that they are equipped to monitor their own health.

Please refer to the following web sites for additional information about H1N1 flu:

Baylor Health Services H1N1 Influenza Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Texas Department of State Health Services

World Health Organization

Baylor University is committed to the health and safety of its students. Specifically, the professionals who staff the Baylor Health Services are committed to providing comprehensive health and wellness services to all Baylor students. With your help, we hope to make the 2009-2010 school year a safe, healthy and productive time for our students and the entire Baylor community. Thank you.

Sharon W. Stern, MD
Medical Director, Baylor University Health Services
McLane Student Life Center, 2nd floor
254-710-1010