Authored by: Arlene Guzik, DNP, ARNP-BC, COHN-S
September 24, 2009
The health community continues to learn more and more every day about the evolution of the H1N1 flu and the vaccine initiative is about to be implemented.
The Federal Government is expected to start releasing supplies of H1N1 vaccine early October. The vaccine is being distributed only through the Public Health Departments. Each Public Health Department has identified Community Vaccine Partners that will assist with administration of the vaccine to the targeted populations.
The H1N1 Vaccine Initiative targets populations in three Priority Groups:
Priority Group 1
- Pregnant women
- Infants and children ages 6months-24years
- Healthcare workers
- Adults ages 25-64 with chronic medical conditions
Priority Group 2
- EMS/Fire/Law Enforcement/Public Safety Officers
- Government Officials
- Critical infrastructure workers; such as utilities workers (power, water, waste, etc.)
- Media workers
Priority Group 3
- General public
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that one does of H1N1 Vaccine will be sufficient for adults and children over the age of 10 years. Children under 10 years old will need a two-dose series of the vaccine. Each Community Vaccine Partner is required to maintain a record of all individuals receiving vaccination. This information must then be logged in the Department of Health Registry Database.
It is expected that there will be plenty of vaccine to serve all priority groups, including the general public. If you have identified groups of workers at risk, or if you wish to offer on-site opportunities for the H1N1 vaccine at your company location, please contact Lakeside as your preferred Community Vaccine Partner.
References:
Visit www.lakesideoccmed.com for educational material for your workers
