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November
4, 2004
Little
Rock -- This year’s influenza season presented the nation and Arkansas with unique challenges. Because of a shortage of flu vaccine, the Arkansas Department of Health asked Arkansans to help limit vaccine distribution to only high-risk citizens. Yesterday, the Health Department distributed 52,195 flu shots to high-risk citizens in 79 clinics statewide; 35,262 shots were given by 11:00 A.M.
Dr. Fay Boozman, Arkansas Department of Health director, said, “This is truly an unprecedented accomplishment. We thank our staff and our partners--local offices of emergency management, local and state law enforcement, volunteers and many others--for their efforts. This is the first time that we have tried to do something this massive and I salute our citizens and staff for an incredible effort.”
The department is currently addressing the issue of vaccine distribution for counties that did not give out all of their vaccine. If there are locations that have more vaccine than the community is requesting, the agency will consider moving the supply to sites in need. Some 53 clinics have given out their entire allotment of vaccine.
If your county has not closed due to depleted doses, you may contact your county health unit for details about future clinics times and locations.
The massive immunization distribution was accomplished for the most part without major problems. In some areas, long lines, bad weather and traffic flow created issues. Boozman said, “We wish it hadn’t rained and turned cold. In some areas, we had senior citizens, some of our most vulnerable folks, standing in long lines in bad weather. On behalf of my agency, I am sorry for this.”
“One of the lessons learned from this experience is to try and get folks into the vaccination sites as fast as possible. They can be screened and registered after they are safely out of the weather. We also had traffic problems in some areas. We are going to be working with our local partners to remedy this for the future. We will pick better locations where parking and traffic will flow more smoothly. The state and local police will advise us on how we can keep traffic problems to a minimum.”
The plans for the mass dispensing of vaccine were devised after 9-11 when The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided state health departments funding to work with city and county partners to create plans for the mass dispensing of medicines. In many parts of the state, this is the first time these plans were exercised. Boozman said, “ We know we will need to revise plans and rectify some problems. We appreciate input from the community in this regard and I know our health department colleagues will be calling on local partners to ask for their ideas.”
Everyone can help prevent the spread of influenza by taking action:
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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Whenever possible, stay home from work, school or errands when you are sick
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Wash your hands with soap often
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Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
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If you smoke, try to quit. You are more susceptible to upper-respiratory disease when you smoke.
If you’re sick, don’t spread your germs to others:
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Cover your mouth and nose with your hand, sleeve or a tissue every time you sneeze or cough
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Put used tissue into the trash
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Wash your hands with soap and water and use paper towels instead of cloth towels in your bathroom. Throw used paper towels into the trash.
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In the home, frequently clean surfaces that are touched often (phone, remote control, door knobs, etc.) with antibacterial soap or spray
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Stay home.
For the latest information about the flu vaccination program in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) website at
http://www.healthyarkansas.com/flushots.htm.
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