Student Health News

Subject: AAAHC Accrediation

In September 2011, the Student Health Center underwent an extensive two-day onsite survey by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We are honored to be awarded a three-year term of accreditation, effective until September 13, 2014.

The granting of accreditation reflects AAAHC's confidence that the Student Health Center has met, and will continue to demonstrate throughout the accreditation term the attributes of an accreditable organization as reflected in the required standards.

The dedication and effort necessary for an organization to be accredited is substantial, and the compliance with those standards implies a commitment to continual self-evaluation and continuous improvement. 3 years is the longest possible accreditation term granted by the AAAHC.

For information about the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), visit www.aaahc.org.

Subject: Flu Vaccine Now Available - October 6, 2011

Student Health Center is offering the 2011 FLU VACCINE to all students, staff & faculty. 

Cost is only $24. The Flu Vaccine is a benefit covered under the UCSHIP

Walk in welcome on the following dates:

Subject: Influenza Update

Influenza activity continues to increase in Orange County.  Ten severe cases (resulting in admission to intensive care) of influenza in persons <65 years of age, including one death, have been reported in Orange County this season.  It’s still not too late to get vaccinated!

Student Health Center has exhausted its supply of flu vaccines for this season.  For vaccination locations please consult www.ochealthinfo.com/public/flu or www.flu.gov

FREE influenza vaccine is available to Orange County residents at:

Orange County Health Care Agency Clinic
1725 W. 17th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706

Tuesdays: 9:00 am -12:00noon
                   1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Subject: Student Health Center Holiday Closure

Student Health Center will be closed from Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 at 5PM until Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at 8AM.

Subject: Student Health Flu Vaccine Update

Please note that the Flu Vaccine Clinic at Student Health Center scheduled on 11/29/10 has been cancelled.  The Flu Vaccine is still available at the Orange County Health Care Agency Immunization Clinic at 1725 W. 17th St. Santa Ana, every Tuesday from 9-12 AM, 1-4PM until 11/30/10 FREE of charge.  For more information, please call 1-800-564-8448.

Subject: November Flu Shot Dates

It is not too late to get your flu shot. Although influenza activity is currently low, now is the time to get vaccinated. This year's seasonal influenza vaccine includes the 2009 H1N1 strain as well as an A/H3N2 strain.

The influenza vaccine is available for $22 for walk-in at the Student Health Center on the following dates:

        November 15, 2010             Monday                10am-4pm

        November 18, 2010             Thursday              10am-4pm

        November 29, 2010             Monday                10am-4pm

Subject: Additional Flu Shot Dates

In the past several weeks, Orange County and surrounding areas have had sporadic reports of influenza A/H3. Although influenza activity is currently low, now is the time to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine is recommended annually for all persons 6 months and older.

This year's seasonal influenza vaccine includes the 2009 H1N1 strain as well as an A/H3N2 strain. The influenza vaccine is available at $22 for walk-in at the Student Health Center on the following dates:

        October 21              Thursday                10am-4pm

        October 22              Friday                     10am-4pm

        October 29              Friday                     10am-4pm

Subject: What You Should Know About Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Even with the success of whooping cough vaccines, the disease is still common in the United States. Many cases are not diagnosed and so are not reported. Yet over the past 5 years, between 8,000 and 25,000 cases have been reported each year. Institutional outbreaks of whooping cough, such as those in a daycare center, school or hospital, are common, taking place each year in many states including California. 

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.  The infection is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. 

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

• Runny nose
• Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease)
• Mild, occasional cough
• Apnea – a pause in breathing (in infants)

As the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms of pertussis appear and include:

• Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" (the coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more)  
• Vomiting (throwing up)
• Exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits

Adults who were vaccinated in childhood against pertussis can still be infected, but the illness tends to be milder and the typical "whoop" absent.  The best prevention for pertussis in adults is booster vaccination with Tdap. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with and caregivers of new infants.  The easiest thing for adults to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus booster—that Td shot that they were supposed to get every 10 years. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it is a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what is best for their specific situation. 

See http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html, for more general information about pertussis; or call Student Health Center for more specific information at 949-824-5302.

Subject: Flu Vaccine Now Available

Student Health Center is offering the 2010 FLU VACCINE to all students, staff & faculty. 

Cost is only $22.

Walk in welcome on the following dates:

          2010
        September 27         Monday               10am-4pm
        September 28        Tuesday               10am-4pm
        September 30        Thursday              10am-4pm
        October 04              Monday               10am-4pm
        October 08              Friday                  10am-4pm
        October 11              Monday               10am-4pm
        October 14              Thursday             10am-4pm

        October 15              Friday                  10am-4pm