The state of Louisiana found that tweaking procedures and protocols allowed pharmacists to provide flu vaccines, greatly expanding the ranks of potential vaccinators in the state. In 2009, Louisiana law already allowed pharmacists who had received the proper training and were credentialed by the Board of Pharmacy as vaccinators, to administer vaccine when it was prescribed. To provide vaccinations, pharmacists were given a medication administration registration (MAR) number, which indicates they are registered with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy as vaccinators.
Models for Care
Shuttered hospitals possess the structural attributes that may allow them to provide better care, as opposed to other proposed alternate care sites within a community. This lengthy guidance describes the rationale and strategies for re-opening shuttered hospitals to enhance medical surge capacity in a community. These materials describe the authors' experiences in re-opening a hospital in Boston and offer an extensive toolkit to address the issues others may encounter, such as physical and structural condition of the hospital, legal issues, and other logistical concerns.
A robust and extensive guide describes mass casualty planning in the essential areas of emergency medical services, hospital/acute care, alternative care settings, palliative care, and legal/ethical issues. A pandemic influenza case study is included to assist planners in preparing for a pandemic event.
The HEALTH model outlines the requirements, specifications, and resources needed for developing a public health emergency contact center. The practice takes advantage of existing poison control centers and nurse advice lines to provide one-on-one health communication and minimize surges in demand for health and event information. It should be a cost-effective way to provide advice and automated follow-up by collaborating with partners that possess expertise and involvement in large sectors of the public during emergencies.
This booklet is part of a statewide educational campaign that Massachusetts launched in the fall of 2007. These materials are particularly useful in the context of the novel H1N1 flu pandemic, because they provide the public with the information to care for sick family members at home during an influenza pandemic. The booklet is available in nine languages and in both a basic literacy version and a comprehensive version. Topics covered include flu vaccines and antivirals, symptoms and how to treat them, a supply list, caring for the caregiver, and when to call a doctor.
Background
Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) can be fairly isolated and inaccessible during the winter due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather conditions. The main transportation route between the UP and the lower peninsula is the Mackinac Bridge, which is often closed for safety reasons during the winter. Another way used to access the UP during an emergency or for search and rescue purposes is via Michigan's Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an auxiliary of the Air Force comprised of civilian volunteers.
Recent public health emergencies in the United States, such as the H1N1 outbreak and Hurricane Katrina, highlighted the important role pharmacists and pharmacies can play in reaching medically at-risk populations. Pharmacists bring a unique set of skills to all-hazards preparedness activities, including accessibility within communities, extended hours of availability, and the ability to identify high-risk patients based on their medication history. Pharmacists are seen as trustworthy health professionals, said Mitchel C.
Background
Each year, on average, some 5% to 20% of United States residents become ill from seasonal flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications. Most people will have mild illness; however, some individuals are at an elevated risk for developing flu-related complications, including adults 65 years of age and older and people who have certain medical conditions (eg, weakened immune system, heart disease, chronic lung disease). A challenge providing vaccine to many vulnerable people is being able to reach them.
Background
Individuals who are homeless, homebound, lack health insurance, speak limited English, or have limited access to financial resources or medical care are typically the most in need of and have the greatest challenges accessing the influenza vaccine.
Pages
