The OIP has received a number of quieries asking about the H1N1 virus abroad and the availablility of the H1N1 vaccine at the Trinity Study Abroad Program Sites.
The situation at each of the Trinity programs abroad depends upon the location of the program, as each country has its own policies and timelines for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. Currently, none of the countries where Trinity has programs have received the H1N1 vaccine, and we anticipate that when they do, the first persons eligible to receive the vaccine will be those deemed to be high-risk, such as those with health conditions, children, and the elderly.
The OIP will ensure that all Trinity students studying abroad on Trinity programs are provided with updated information about the availability of the vaccine in their host countries and given information about how to obtain a vaccination when the vaccine is available to the general population. Unfortunately, international laws (and the requirements of the vaccine, which must be refrigerated at very cold temperatures) prohibit us from sending the vaccine abroad to our sites, and we are bound by the laws/policies of each country.
The Trinity programs have excellent on-site staff who are ready on a 24/7 basis to provide care to our students. These staff are continuously monitoring the H1N1 status (and vaccine status) at each program and they provide us with regular updates. Please know that our staff have contacts with local physicians and hospitals as well as emergency plans.
Because the H1N1 flu can present as a minor illness initially, students have been advised to report any illness to the on-site staff right away and to follow the following precautions with regard to preventing illness:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or waterless hand sanitizers.
• Cover your nose/mouth with a tissue, sleeve or elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw away used tissues.
• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand gel.
• Regularly clean shared phone receivers, keyboards, remote controls, office equipment and door knobs.
• Refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.
• Get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Finally, if you think you are ill with the symptoms, report them to the on-site staff