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Local Health Officials Ready in the Event of Pandemic Flu Outbreak

From staff reports

Local health officials passed a test with flying colors last Friday that ensures emergency preparedness in the face of a pandemic flu outbreak by doing just that – showing they are ready to handle the situation.

Working with the local government, school, law enforcement and emergency officials, the Scott County Health Department and other health departments in the Lenowisco and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts participated in the one-day event to see if they could handle mass vaccinations under pressure.

During Friday’s drill at the Scott County Health Department, a total of 221 vaccinations were easily dispensed throughout the day-long event.

“Our staff has been well trained and participated in mass dispensing clinics and I think we did an excellent job,” explained Delilah Long, public information officer for the Lenowisco Health District. “This event also allowed us to work with our partner agencies in a re-creation of a health disaster.”

According to the Virginia Department of Health, pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths, and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the Commonwealth.

On Friday local citizens were administered seasonal flu vaccines as though a pandemic had occurred. The actual time from completing paperwork and receiving the vaccine took only minutes as health workers took the rehearsal very seriously.
Following the immunization, participants evaluated the entire experience. Most commented that the flu vaccine didn’t hurt at all. Others complimented the health department on their level of preparedness.

Robert Parker of the Virginia Department of Health explained that Friday’s rehearsal was planned as a drill to assist local health departments in making sure they were ready if a pandemic strikes.

“Today’s event is a preparatory drill in the event of a pandemic,” Parker said. “During this rehearsal, we are dispensing seasonal flu vaccines but are using this event to ensure we can rapidly dispense the vaccine if necessary.”

Participants received the vaccines Friday at no charge, thanks to a Federal grant that underwrote the expenses. But seasonal flu shots are available for a nominal cost from the Scott County Health Department.

Flu vaccines are given by appointment only at a cost of $30. Long said in some cases your insurance coverage will pay for the shot. The health department bills four insurance carriers only, Anthem, UMWA, Medicare and Medicaid.

Yesterday health officials were on site at several polling places, ready to vaccinate local residents at a reduced cost. During community events, Long added, such as Election Day, flu vaccines are available for only $20.

The following information provided by VDH more fully explains the importance of having the vaccination. Influenza is a serious disease that is easily transmitted to and by people who are not immunized. It is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza viruses usually spread through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Getting vaccinated is your best protection against influenza. Although you may think the influenza vaccine is only important for older adults, rates of infection with influenza are actually highest among children. Almost everyone can benefit from being immunized. The vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness and its potentially severe complications.

Influenza, also called the flu, can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, and muscle aches.

Unlike the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and can be life threatening. Complications from the flu can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses. Each year in the United States influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations.

Some people are at increased risk for developing complications from influenza. Vaccination is recommended for these high-risk groups and for people who come in contact with them (such as household members and health care workers). An annual dose of flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months of age or older who falls into one of the categories listed below:

The best time to get the flu vaccine is in November; however vaccination in December, or even later, can still prevent the flu. Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination and may last up to a year. Most people need only one dose of vaccine each year to prevent influenza. However, children under 9 years of age getting flu vaccine for the first time will need a booster dose one month after their first flu shot.
To make an appointment to get a flu vaccination today, call 386-1312. More information on pandemic flu preparedness including a checklist for local residents is available online at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html.

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