University Times

Pitt has received its first batch of H1N1 vaccine, but faculty and staff will have to wait a while longer before the vaccine is available to them.

The first batch of 1,200 doses of the nasal spray vaccine, which is appropriate only for healthy people ages 2-49 who are not pregnant, is being distributed beginning today, Oct. 15, to Pittsburgh campus students who pre-registered online.

According to John Fedele, associate director of news, another 200 doses of the nasal spray have been distributed to Student Health Service workers and emergency responders, such as the Pitt police. “The H1N1 flu is impacting younger persons, those up to 24 years of age, at a higher rate than other groups within our population. For this reason, students have been targeted for vaccination at this time,” Fedele said. “Based on the doses available in each subsequent shipment, decisions will be made regarding their distribution.”

The four regional campuses have requested, but not yet received, the vaccine, he said. “We anticipate that in the coming weeks, each campus will receive a supply of nasal spray and an ample supply of the injectable form of the H1N1 vaccine,” Fedele said.

Pitt has a web site for updates on H1N1-related news available at www.pitt.edu/swine-flu.