By student journalist at UH Med Now Jessica Olga Henao
A weekly report provided by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division (HDOH) shows that the annual Flu (Influenza) Season has begun, and cases of the flu have been detected in the State of Hawaiʻi. According to the weekly REPORT, 16 percent of illnesses tested for flu so far this season have been verified as influenza.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control monitors reports of influenza and issues weekly updates throughout flu season. You can follow the CDC data HERE.
Public health officials believe it is important to prevent and protect yourself and others—including coworkers and family members—by getting a flu shot. It is projected that the 2015-2016 flu strain will be relatively mild, but there have been cases of reported deaths from the current strain. Infants, the elderly and others with compromised immune systems or chronic disease, including respiratory disease, should strongly consider getting vaccinated.
The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has an on-campus opportunity for the vaccinations. Flu shot clinics will run on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. and on Friday, October 2, 2015 from 2:45 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. The location is the Medical Education Building (MEB) Room 314.
Our Homeless Outreach and Medical Education project (H.O.M.E.), which operates health clinics staffed by MD student volunteers, will offer vaccinations at Oʻahuʻs homeless shelters.
JABSOM faculty, UH Cancer Center, University Health Partners (UCERA) faculty, staff and JABSOM graduate students will be charged $5.00 for a flu shot administered by our own future MDs. The fee is waived for medical students. Members of the public may get the shots for $10.00.