New H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Gannett has received some shipments of H1N1 vaccine. As expected, the first shipments have not included our entire supply of vaccine. We expect to receive multiple deliveries of H1N1 vaccine over the coming weeks and months. The vaccine is being rolled out in batches as it is produced, some individuals will get vaccine before others.

We are unlikely to have much advance notice about delivery dates, quantities, or formulation of the vaccine (shot or nasal mist). Therefore, we have prepared multiple approaches for delivering vaccine to accommodate these variables and vaccinate members of our community as efficiently and conveniently as possible.

Vaccine safety

The safety profile of this vaccine is likely to be very similar to the seasonal flu vaccines, which have excellent safety track records over many years. We are aware that many people have concerns about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine and urge you to review a complete list of side effects and other vaccine safety information.

How do I get the H1N1 flu vaccine at Cornell?

Review this information about seasonal flu vaccine clinics and appointments.

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Guidelines for distribution of H1N1 vaccine at Cornell

• The CDC gives high priority to vaccinating young adults against H1N1. As the primary care provider for Cornell students, Gannett will focus first on vaccinating students. Following CDC guidelines for situations in which vaccine supplies are limited, these initial doses will be targeted to students at greatest risk of complications from the flu:
  • students who are pregnant
  • students who have chronic medical conditions
  • students who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• As additional supply become available, the next priority for vaccination by Gannett will be the remaining students under 25 years of age. Student spouses / domestic partners under 25 or at higher risk who are unable to get vaccinated elsewhere also will be eligible.
• Once demand has been met among the student priority groups, Gannett will offer the vaccine in this order (per CDC recommendations):
  • first to faculty and staff members up to age 64 who have underlying health conditions or are pregnant
  • next to members of the Cornell community age 25 to 64 with no underlying health conditions
  • then to those 65 and older, whose risk for infection with H1N1 influenza is less than in younger age groups (in contrast to the experience with seasonal flu).

We will continue to order H1N1 vaccine supplies until every member of the Cornell community who wants the vaccine receives it, but we are unable to predict how much we will be able to get or how long it will take to get it.

Information for those still waiting for the vaccine 

• faculty, staff, and student spouses/partners—especially those with health conditions that put them at higher risk (including pregnancy) to seek vaccination as soon as it is available through their personal physicians or local health department.
• non-exempt employees to consult with their supervisors to arrange for up to two hours of release time to get an H1N1 flu vaccine.
• parents to seek vaccination of children through pediatricians and schools. (Gannett will not be able to provide H1N1 vaccine to children of students, staff, or faculty.)

Cornellians at the NYSAES in Geneva

Gannett will conduct an H1N1 vaccine clinic in Geneva when adequate supplies are available. Students who are at higher risk of complications from the flu and those under 25 years of age should consider scheduling an appointment at Gannett during a visit to the Ithaca campus or through Geneva area public health clinics. Information for those still waiting for the vaccine 

H1N1 Vaccine Specifics

Read the CDC's Vaccine Information Sheet (H1N1 FluMist) (pdf)
Read the CDC's Vaccine Information Sheet (H1N1 Flu Shot) (pdf)
Read the the CDC's FAQ RE H1N1 flu vaccine