Pandemic Flu Preparedness at UCSD

Currently, there has been no outbreak of pandemic influenza (flu) affecting humans anywhere in the world. However, experts predict such an occurrence at some point in the future. The University of California as a whole, and each of its campuses, including UC San Diego, are preparing for this potential, as are many other college campuses across the nation.

Seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide protection against avian influenza

This page outlines UCSD's campus preparations to date, provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and offers links to additional information, including a comprehensive documents on avian flu. If the status of a potential flu pandemic should change, UCSD will communicate the University's plans to you through many venues, including this webpage, and many pages available on the UCSD TritonLink system.

Dr. Joseph Watson, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Steve Relyea, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, established a UCSD Pandemic / Epidemic Response Committee (P/ERC), with members representing many academic and administrative areas of the campus, including campus housing, meal services, physical plant services, environmental health and safety, student health service, and other areas that would work together closely in the event of a pandemic crisis.

The UCSD P/ERC is advisory to the Chancellor through the Vice Chancellors for Business Affairs and Student Affairs on UCSD policies regarding management of pandemic/ epidemic response in students, staff, and faculty. Responsibilities of the committee include:

  • Developing policy recommendations and guidance for the UCSD community
  • Coordinating department-level procedures to ensure consistency and continuity in pandemic/epidemic response management
  • Oversight of the UCSD response to pandemics/ epidemics in relation to applicable public health guidelines and requirements at the local, state, federal, and international levels

UCSD is coordinating with state and local efforts to minimize the impact of a public health emergency, limit the spread of disease, and ensure resumption of normal business activity should the San Diego area be affected by a pandemic. Campus planning efforts include:

  • Contingency plans for the welfare of residential students
  • Procedures for cancellation of classes, sporting events, and other public events
  • Containment measures that may include closure of campus, student housing, and public transportation
  • Provisioning for students, faculty, and staff should circumstances dictate they remain on campus
  • Maintenance of research projects, especially those involving animals

UC San Diego Preparedness Activities To-Date

  • February 2006: UCSD Student Affairs Strategic Planning team reviews and updates Communication Protocol for Emergencies.
  • March 2006: UCSD Drafts its Pandemic Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, and Continuity of Operations Plan, with continuous updating since that time.
  • April 2006: Representatives from UCSD Environmental Health and Safety and UCSD Student Health Service initiate participation in San Diego County Public Health planning for pandemic flu, with ongoing participation since that time.
  • June 2006: UCSD Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Services Division holds first Pandemic Flu Table-top Exercise.
  • July 2006: American College Health Association (ACHA) releases Guidelines for Pandemic Planning, which are incorporated into ongoing planning efforts at UCSD and across all UC system campuses.
  • October 2006: UCSD Student Health Service initiates direct reminder notification program for high-risk individuals to receive their vaccination for influenza, launches media campaign for all students regarding influenza vaccine availability, and makes other operational changes to ease administration of vaccine during routine visits.
  • November 2006: UC Office of the President holds system-wide Pandemic Planning Conference, with representatives from UC student health centers, medical centers, public health and infection control centers, as well as with key administrative personnel.
  • January 2007: UCSD Medical Center Pandemic Planning Committee meets and initiates planning for March 2007 pandemic Table-top exercise
  • January 2007: UCSD Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Services Division initiates planning process for second Pandemic Flu Table-top Exercise to be held later this year.

Pandemic Flu FAQs

Additional on-line resources

Contact Information
For additional information about UCSD's Pandemic Flu Preparedness, contact:

  • Brad Buchman M.D., Clinical Director
    UCSD Student Health Service
    858-5342669
    bbuchman@ucsd.edu

  • Jill Ballard F.N.P., Director of Nursing
    UCSD Student Health Service
    858-534-2669
    jballard@ucsd.edu

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.