UI Hospitals and Clinics has implemented Level I screening. This measure calls for patients, visitors, staff, and others to self-screen.

• If individuals identify that they have an influenza like illness or have been exposed recently to someone who has, they are instructed to put on a mask and take other actions that should limit the spread of their infection.
• Individuals who show any signs of influenza will not be permitted to visit. Those signs include fever equal to or greater than 100 degrees F with respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath; fatigue, chills, muscle pain, or headache; vomiting or diarrhea.
• Visits by tour groups and celebrity guests will be limited to non-patient care areas and all such visitors will be screened for symptoms of influenza.
• Exceptions to the visit restrictions can be made for cases that involve critically ill patients or end-of-life circumstances.

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced late last week that the state has now received enough H1N1 influenza vaccine to begin offering the vaccine to the general public beginning today (Monday, December 14).

H1N1 immunizations are available by appointment at the UI Family Care Centers located at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, North Liberty, and Southeast Iowa City. The UI QuickCare locations in the Old Capitol Town Center and Sycamore Mall also offer the vaccine. The Women’s Health Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics continues to provide H1N1 immunizations to pregnant patients. The Family Care Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics can be reached at 319-384-7222.

The University Employee Health Clinic will continue to provide H1N1 immunizations only to UI Health Care employees. All other UI faculty, staff, and the general public should obtain the H1N1 vaccine from their health care providers. Health care providers charge a fee to administer the vaccine. UI faculty and staff who have UI health insurance (CHIP II and UI Choice) receive immunizations free of charge.

UI students may receive the H1N1 vaccine at UI Student Health.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says that everyone may receive the vaccine. Ask your doctor about when and where you can receive the vaccine. People who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza are especially encouraged to get the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine.

Should I get an H1N1 flu vaccine even if I’ve already had influenza-like illness in recent months?

Yes – unless you had an illness in recent months that was confirmed as 2009 H1N1 influenza by a test called rRT-PCR.

What conditions are associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza?

• Asthma
• Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
• Chronic lung disease
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease (excluding hypertension)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Weakened immune systems due to disease or medication (HIV/AIDS, cancer)
• People younger than age 19 on long-term aspirin therapy

Seasonal flu has not yet affected Iowans, but public health experts anticipate its arrival in the coming weeks. At this time, UI Health Care has an ample supply of seasonal influenza vaccine available for patients. Patients may make an appointment to receive this vaccine. The Family Care Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics can be reached at 319-384-7222.