In a time of extensive budget and program cuts, many universities were also hit hard by the financial costs of the H1N1 pandemic. Health departments generally provided H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine at no cost to institutions of higher education. However, colleges and universities bore the financial burden of other response efforts, such as communications campaigns, equipment and supplies for vaccine clinics, and costs associated with isolating ill students.
Collaborations
In spring 2009, at the start of the H1N1 influenza pandemic, an H1N1 Committee was formed at the University of Toledo (UT) in Ohio. Committee members quickly recognized two valuable resources in the fight against pandemic influenza: students and community partnerships.
A memorandum has been developed and signed between Purdue University and the Tippecanoe County Health Department that allocates responsibility between the Health Department and the University for activities related to the prophylaxis of students, employees, dependents, and others according to eligibility guidelines as determined by the health department in the event of a public health emergency.
During H1N1 response, the Minnesota Department of Health convened periodic conference calls with all higher education institutions in Minnesota. This was the first time that direct communication has been organized between the state health department and higher education. During the calls, the Minnesota State Epidemiologist provided H1N1 updates, answered questions, and requested reports from institutions on status and challenges. One college campus on the call reported a concern that athletes continued to attend practices and games despite flu-like symptoms.
