Influenza Preparedness

In advance of the influenza season, the University of Massachusetts Medical School has assembled an influenza planning team led by Terence R. Flotte, MD, Dean, School of Medicine, Provost and Executive Deputy Chancellor and Michael D. Kneeland, MD, Associate Dean for Allied Health. As was so successful in the spring, this group is working closely with our clinical partner, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and other local and state entities to anticipate and address the flu in a collaborative and transparent effort.

This group, which includes representation from across the medical school and hospital, is addressing a number of issues including but not limited to:

• Establishment of a continuity of operation plan for the School of Medicine, Graduate School of Nursing and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences;
• H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations for students, faculty and staff;
• Communication of H1N1 flu related clinical guidelines for students, faculty and staff who have contact with patients consistent with UMass Memorial Medical Center guidelines;
• Close coordination of all activities and communications with UMass Memorial Medical Center.

This web site will serve as a repository of resources and information regarding H1N1 and seasonal influenza planning for faculty, staff and students.

For Employees

Human Resources has prepared a Policy Overview presentation and guide to help answer questions about UMass policies and how they may apply in the event of an influenza outbreak. These documents can be found on the HR intranet home page. Employees may also wish to review the October 22 memo to staff detailing what is expected should you experience flu-like symptoms.

For Students

Students who have questions regarding H1N1 or sesonal flu vaccinations should contact Student Health Services at 508-334-8464. Students who wish to report having an influenza-like illness should call 508-334-2818 or refer to the SHS website for specific clearance criteria.

Communications to UMMS Employees

• Memo to Students -- Nov. 2
• Memo to All Staff -- Oct. 22
• Memo to All Staff -- Oct. 9
• Update on Seasonal Flu Clinics -- Sept. 28
• Memo to All Staff -- Sept. 14
• Memo to Clinical Staff - June 4
• Memo to All Staff-- April 29

Information prepared by our Clincal Partner, UMass Memorial Medical Center

Patient Visiting Restrictions as of October 23, 2009.

Questions about seasonal or H1N1 flu? Submit here.
UMass Memorial flu hotline for patients and providers: 877-358-2602.

UMass Memorial Medical Center Information for Patients

• Flu Prevention (UMass Memorial) (October 1, 2009)*
• Overview: Information for Adult Patients (UMass Memorial) (October 1, 2009)*
• Overview: Information for Pediatric Patients (UMass Memorial) (October 1, 2009)*
• Overview: Information for Pregnant Patients (UMass Memorial) (October 1, 2009*
• Frequently Asked Questions About Flu Vaccine (UMass Memorial) (October 14, 2009)
• Guide for Parents: Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu (CDC) (September 29, 2009)
• Flu: What You Can Do (Mass DPH) (June 2009)

* This information is also available for our patients by dialing our flu hotline at 877-358-2602.

UMass Memorial Medical Center Flu Management Recommendations for Health Care Providers

• Epidemiological Considerations (UMass Memorial) (October 14, 2009)
• Seasonal and H1N1 Vaccine Recommendations (UMass Memorial) (October 14, 2009)
• Patient Management Recommendations: Inpatients, ED Patients, Outpatients (UMass Memorial) (October 14, 2009)
• Laboratory Recommendations (UMass Memorial) (October 14, 2009)
  

Other H1N1 Flu Resources

• Centers for Disease Control

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health