UCF Health Services will distribute up to about 1,500 doses of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine this week to students, faculty and staff.

The initial shipment of nasal spray vaccine is a small portion of vaccines that Health Services has requested for the UCF community. The injectable H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time.

Nasal spray is not appropriate for everyone. Those who cannot receive the nasal spray vaccine include: pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older and people with a chronic medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza. Those conditions include chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma, and diabetes or kidney failure.

The vaccine will be distributed in groups at the UCF Health Center on the following dates and times:

Nov. 3, 4 and 5: 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. and 1, 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 6: 10., 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30, 2, 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine must first obtain a voucher for a specific date and time. The vouchers (one per person with a valid UCF ID) will ensure that people can receive their vaccines with a minimal wait time.

Vouchers are available at the appointments/check-in window inside the Health Center’s main entrance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Vouchers also can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Knight Aide pharmacy and convenience store next to the UCF Arena.

You must bring your UCF ID to verify your eligibility for the vaccine. There is no charge for UCF students. The cost for faculty and staff is $10, which must be paid in cash or by check at the time the voucher is given. Checks should be made payable to UCF Health Services.

Please choose an appointment time that will allow you to arrive at the Health Center at least five minutes early, as the instructions at each session will begin on time. Anyone who arrives late will need to request a voucher for another session.

Accompanying each voucher will be an information sheet about the vaccine and a consent form that you must complete before you report to the Health Center to receive the vaccine. The voucher will be your ticket to receive the vaccine.

Additional dates and times for distributing the vaccine may be scheduled if doses remain at the end of the week.

Students, faculty and staff are advised to get their seasonal flu shots as well. Seasonal flu shots are available by appointment at the UCF Health Center.

The UCF campus community will be updated regularly through campus-wide e-mails and the university’s H1N1 Web site, www.ucf.edu/flu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

— UCF Health Services –  www.hs.ucf.edu or 407-823-2701

— UCF H1N1 Web site –  www.ucf.edu/flu

— Orange County Health Department flu page – www.orchd.com/Flu/h1n1Flu.asp

— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –  www.cdc.gov

— Florida Department of Health toll-free number: 1-877-352-3581