SDHD H1N1 Situation Update
January 15, 2010
This information is meant to be a “quick read” that provides basic information about what the health district is doing regarding the novel H1N1 influenza virus. For more information, please refer to the SDHD Points of Contact near the end. This update is also posted on the SDHD website at www.sdhdidaho.org.
Current SDHD Clinic Schedule
We are reviewing the need for vaccination clinics at the health district offices. The following county offices will provide H1N1 vaccinations by appointment or walk-in when designated. These clinics are open to everyone. Please review the calendar on the website at www.sdhdidaho.org or call for updates. Download the consent form at http://sdhdidaho.org/swine_flu_pods.php before you go.
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Bannock County |
Monday, Jan 25, 4pm-7pm walk-in |
(208) 233-9080 |
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Bear Lake County |
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(208) 847-3000 |
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Bingham County |
Jan 21 appointment
Jan 28 appointment
Jan 29 appointment |
Call (208) 785-2160
Note: New address is 326 Poplar |
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Butte County |
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(208) 527-3463 |
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Caribou County |
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(208) 547-4375 |
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Franklin County |
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(208) 852-0478 |
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Oneida County |
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(208) 766-4764 |
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Power County |
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(208) 226-5096 |
Operational Concept for H1N1 Vaccinations
The Southeastern District Health Department (SDHD) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated. H1N1 vaccinations given by SDHD are FREE and available to everyone. There is no charge of any kind. H1N1 vaccinations given by private providers may include an administrative fee, at the discretion of the provider. Approximately 24% of the district population has been vaccinated. The health district is now focusing on private providers and providing limited clinics at the health district buildings by appointment or walk-in.
Reported cases of H1N1 influenza have decreased for the beginning of January, and H1N1 influenza is still the cause of 98% of influenza cases.
The H1N1 vaccine is now available at many private providers in the district. This includes pharmacies and doctors’ offices. The list of providers is on the SDHD website at www.sdhdidaho.org. The health district is augmenting the private providers by providing H1N1 vaccinations at the health district. Butte, Franklin, and Bear Lake Counties do not have private providers who have opted to administer the vaccine, so please call the health district office if you live in those counties and want a vaccination.
Private providers and other groups interested in providing H1N1 vaccine should sign-up to be a private provider of H1N1 vaccine at http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/Immunizations/tabid/98/Default.aspx. Providers can charge an administration fee but cannot charge for the vaccine itself, which is free.
Preparing For A Third Wave
Reported cases of H1N1 influenza are down significantly from a peak in October and November. The health district is taking this time to review our actions from October to December and determine what should change when the expected third wave begins in late February or early March. We continue to receive vaccine, which we are using at the clinics scheduled above. We are also storing vaccine in preparation for more large-scale vaccinations in preparation for the expected third wave.
Information about the Vaccine Recall
CDC has issued two H1N1 vaccine recalls, both of which are not safety related. These vaccines have been recalled because they did not pass a second test for potency, meaning after an unpublished period of time it was not strong enough to create a full immunity. These vaccines left the manufacturer with the required amount of potency but lost some of that potency over time. Additional vaccinations are not needed, though, because it is expected that most people who received these vaccinations received them while the vaccines still had enough potency. For more information, please go to
Pandemic Waves
As noted earlier, we are expecting a third wave of influenza sickness in February or March, following the pattern set by the 1918 pandemic. Take this time between waves to get your vaccination.
Second Doses for Children Nine Years Old and Younger
Second doses for children nine years old and younger will be administered at the health district county offices (see above schedules) and private providers. When taking a child to get a second dose, parents are asked to ensure they have the vaccination card they received during the first dose. If your county does not have clinics scheduled, please call the health district office.
CDC Guidance Updates See http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/
o People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Dec 22)
§ http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/copd.htm
o Information for people 65 Years and older (Dec 22)
§ http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/seniors.htm
Public Information
SDHD continues its public education campaign, coordinated by the Public Information Officer, Tracy McCulloch (208-239-5250 or tmcculloch@phd6.idaho.gov). We still have informational booklets and pamphlets. Call the PIO if you would like some.
Volunteer Information
The vaccination campaign still requires volunteers. All volunteer information will be distributed via the Volunteer Idaho volunteer management system. If you are interested in volunteering, please register at www.volunteridaho.org or call Penny Nelson at 239-5295.
Resources
-SDHD Points Of Contact
Darin Letzring, All-Hazards Planner dletzring@phd6.idaho.gov 208-239-5275
Denise O’Farrell, Health Care Liaison dofarrell@phd6.idaho.gov 208-239-5208
SDHD website: www.sdhdidaho.org
- CDC:
- www.flu.gov
- H1N1 home page: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
- Planning Checklists: http://flu.gov/professional/checklists.html
- Specific guidance updates: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/
- FEMA - Continuity Of Operations: http://www.fema.gov/government/coop/index.shtm
- Ready.Gov for all hazards preparedness: www.ready.gov