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• Overview

Overview

The Purpose of Einstein's Occupational Health Services is to service Einstein employees and students with regard to occupational health needs. Anyone who sustains an occupational exposure may call Einstein OHS during hours of operation for information on postexposure procedures. If the exposure occurs after hours, the employees are to go to the nearest Emergency Room and contact the OHS during the next working day. Students who sustain an occupational exposure after hours, should contact the Exposure Hotline at 917.729.0438. This hotline may be called 24 hours a day/7 days a week for a postexposure evaluation. Every student should have an exposure hotline sticker on the back of his/her student ID card. For a replacement sticker, please call 430.3141.

Flu Vaccine Program Fall 2011 - 2012

Influenza ("flu") is a contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. The virus can cause: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Influenza viruses are always changing. Because of this, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended.

The 2011-2012 Influenza vaccine formula also contains the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Therefore, it will not be necessary to receive two immunizations against influenza, as many individuals did in the past.

Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza. At this time, the Influenza vaccine containing H1N1 antigen will be offered by the Einstein Occupational Health Service to the Einstein community. It is recommended that everyone receive the influenza vaccine, and most importantly, those individuals with any long term health problems such as: heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, lung disease, liver disease, metabolic disease (such as diabetes), anemia and other blood disorders, women who may be pregnant during the influenza season, those individuals with weakened immune systems, anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders.

Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is designed specifically to generate a more robust immune response in people 65 years of age and older. It is an increased antigen formulation. This formulation provides significantly higher antibody responses compared with standard dose Fluzone vaccine for people 65 years of age and older, regardless of whether or not they have underlying medical conditions. High dose Flu vaccine will be offered to those in the Einstein community who are 65 years-old and older.

Who Should NOT Receive the Vaccine?

• Those with severe, lifethreatening allergies
• Individuals with egg allergies should not receive the vaccine, as the influenza vaccine is grown in eggs
• Those who are moderately to severely ill should wait until they recover to receive the vaccine
• Those who have had GuillainBarre Syndrome should consult their physician before receiving the vaccine