As of Friday, November 13, 2009, the H1N1 virus has been confirmed in every county in Maine. Most Maine colleges are reporting cases of H1N1. At SMCC a small number of students are reporting probable cases of the H1N1 virus. The College strongly suggests that anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, like those listed below, stay home until you are fever-free for a full 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine.
Vaccine Clinic: The SMCC H1N1 Flu Clinic that had been scheduled for November 18 and 19 has been postponed. The Maine CDC has directed that all available vaccine be used for the immunization of young, school-aged children, and therefore, supplies will not be available to hold our flu clinic as we had originally planned. We have been told that vaccine may be available for our use in early December. We will notify you as soon as we have a new date. Please check this page frequently for updates.
Vaccine:
Once the Flu Clinic has been rescheduled the H1N1 vaccination will be distributed free of charge to eligible members of the SMCC community. Eligibility is determined by the Maine CDC and at this time includes:
• Pregnant women
• Children and young adults (from six months through 24 years of age)
(Please note that the Maine CDC can change the priority distribution groups to include additional groups, such as individuals over the age of 24 with underlying health conditions. If this is the case, we will send you updated information when it becomes available.)
Those who are eligible and who wish to receive the vaccine must present a valid SMCC ID card (check the expiration date) and a completed consent form [PDF File]. Students who are under the age of 18 must have the consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine:
The SMCC seasonal flu vaccination clinic has been indefinitely postponed due to a shortage of the vaccine. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Preventions reports that the delay is being caused by a bottleneck in the vaccine manufacturing process due to the competing demand for H1N1 swine flu vaccine. To find a flu clinic in your area, go to http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/fluclinics/index.shtml and www.flucliniclocator.org .
SMCC Flu Kits:
The College has created more than 500 “Get Well” kits, containing Kleenex tissues, a disposable thermometer, antibacterial wipes, cough drops, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Resident students can request the kits, which are available at the New Residence Hall front desk.
Faculty and staff: For absences related to the flu, please report as usual but also send an email to
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.
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is dedicated to the safety of our students, employees, and visitors. The College continues to closely monitor the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak, both locally and nationally. Staff members are regularly in contact with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local and county emergency management agencies. The College intends to follow the guidelines made by the Centers for Disease Control for institutions of higher education.
SMCC's plan for dealing with a possible outbreak of H1N1 includes the following key components:
Preventive measures designed to protect the overall health and welfare of the College community, including an educational campaign to promote good hygiene, revised cleaning/sanitizing protocols for common areas, and the availability of hand sanitizer in high traffic areas.
Continuous communication with emergency management agencies for guidance and support in College decision-making.
Continuity of services, including continuation of instruction using the College's Learning Management System and caring for students in residence halls who are unable to go home.
If you are sick with flu-like illness:
Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
People at high risk for flu complications who become ill with flu-like symptoms should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes H1N1 flu symptoms as follows:
The symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:
fever
cough
sore throat
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
The CDC's recommendations to reduce your risk of becoming infected:
Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Commuter students who develop flu-like symptoms should not attempt to come to class. The CDC is recommending that individuals remain at home for at least 24 hours after they are free of fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Students should contact their faculty by email at the onset of the flu-like symptoms and also send a message to
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(please include student name in email).
Residence hall students should notify the residence life staff as soon as they develop flu-like symptoms. Students who develop flu-like symptoms should go home if they can do so safely. If they are unable to go home safely, the College will facilitate self-isolation. Roommates/suitemates of students who exhibit flu-like symptoms will be offered the opportunity to move to an alternative location until the immediate threat of infection has passed. Back to Top >>
Staff/Faculty:
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, please follow existing College procedures as follows:
• Faculty are to call Security and their chair
• Staff are to call their supervisor
• Send an email to
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Maine’s community colleges are working closely with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and local emergency management agencies to stay informed and ensure a coordinated, effective response to a possible flu outbreak. The MCCS is also following closely the guidance of both the state and federal Centers for Disease Control. This guidance includes:
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106 207.741.5500 or Toll Free in Maine 1.877.282.2182 For more information please call 207.741.5798. SMCC is an equal opportunity& affirmative action institution and employer.
H1N1 Information 
