EMS Community – updated information specific to H1N1 vaccine and vaccinations. The primary distribution plan for the H1N1 vaccine targets hospitals and medical practices. However, in a follow up with the Immunization Program staff at Dept of Health and Human Services it has been decided that EMS Units can apply for and become their own sites to receive the H1N1 vaccine and administer to EMS Providers (first responders with direct patient contact*). That being said, here are your options:
- EMS Units can go to their local hospital and work with them to get vaccinations for their providers (first responders with direct patient contact*)
- EMS Units can apply to receive H1N1 vaccine, run their own clinic and administer the vaccine to their own providers and/or in collaboration with other EMS Units
- You can approach the AHHR you are a part of and discuss with them the option of having an EMS POD, basically an amendment to the plan they have already
If you chose to run your own clinic and vaccinate your own providers (and/or a groups of EMS Units together), then you will need to complete the prerequisites that go along with protocol 5.12. The waiving of prerequisites for that protocol by the Medical Control Board (MCB) was to meet the emerging needs of AHHR and their Points of Distribution (POD). EMS workers practicing under this waiver must work under the structure of an H1N1 POD established by an AHHR, there must be appropriate medical supervision, screening tools, storage plan etc.
If an EMS Unit wants to do this on their own, like seasonal flu and pneumoccocal vaccinations, follow the simple prerequisites so that all are protected and we don't lose this privilege. I have also enclosed a previous e-mail about the subject for the sake of consistency.
I have included the Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory that was pushed out to all EMS late in August, as well as the registration materials to register and receive vaccine. Be advised where Hospitals and All Health Hazard Regions (AHHR) are already pre-registered they may be willing to serve as a depot for the drop off of the vaccine.
Please remember, this is a fluid situation and every day, things will change. Call Sue Prentiss for any questions that you may have.
*According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services
