Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112859

Michéle Samarya-Timm, MA, REHS, CHES, DAAS, Health Educator, Franklin Township Health Department, 935 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873, 732-873-2500, x372, michele.samarya-timm@twp.franklin.nj.us and Walter D. Galanowsky, MPH, Director of Health, Franklin Township Health Department, 935 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873.

The 2004 shortage of influenza vaccine challenged the existing immunization policies and practices of many local health departments. Managing information/distribution of limited and fluctuating vaccine supplies to health care agencies, private practitioners and directly to the public forced Franklin Township Health Department (FTHD) to rapidly create event-specific protocols based upon existing influenza pandemic procedures.

CDC and state guidelines did not address the specifics of equitable allocation to high-risk patients. Local protocols had to be rapidly established and evaluated to address distribution: health risk tiers, reverse-age, first on line, or a lottery of all eligible persons. Approval of local politicians was essential; public education and comprehension were critical.

Despite collaborative efforts with public and private partners, existing plans did not adequately address the peripheral needs of the vaccine shortage: non-emergency communications with local physicians; public demand for information, services, and vaccine; an influx of persons not ordinarily immunized by the department; and confusing media messages.

Many local private practitioners opted not to purchase vaccine when it became available. Without a central repository of remaining vaccine providers, FTHD was unable to connect high-risk persons with available doses, and continued to be inundated by phone, email and personal visits from residents searching for information and availability.

This presentation will address the failure of existing health protocols to effectively communicate to the public and amongst the wider collaborative health system as evidence of the need for all in public health to re-examine existing policies and to improve emergency and routine immunization practices .

Learning Objectives: