Immunization

Influenza causes an estimated 36,000 excess deaths each year in the U.S., with 90 percent occurring in persons aged 65 or older. Together, influenza and pneumococcal disease are listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the leading causes of death in the US.

Complications from influenza result in more than 200,000 excess hospitalizations annually. And, each year, more than 40,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (bacteremia and meningitis) occur in the U.S.

Health Care and EMS Workers to Receive First H1N1 Vaccine in Minnesota

MDH News Release - October 1, 2009

Minnesota will soon receive its first supply of vaccine for the novel H1N1 influenza virus, according to an announcement today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state will receive 28,000 doses of a weakened live virus vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. This initial shipment of the vaccine will be administered to health care and emergency medical workers. These workers are targeted because they are at risk of being exposed to the virus, and they could expose medically vulnerable patients to the virus if they get sick. In addition, there could be a significant impact on the health care system if they get sick and have to miss work.

"By administering the vaccine first to health care and emergency medical workers, we are helping to ensure that our health care system is in good shape to care for Minnesotans who become ill," said Dr. Sanne Magnan, Minnesota Commissioner of Health. "Allocating this initial supply of vaccine to health care and emergency medical workers is consistent with the CDC's recommendations."

The CDC estimates that more than 150 million doses of vaccine will ultimately be available throughout the US. This means that anyone who wants the vaccine should be able to get it. Because the vaccine will be distributed to states in various quantities over the coming weeks, those at highest risk of complications from the novel H1N1 influenza will be targeted to receive the vaccine first. High-risk individuals include:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than six months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People between the ages of six months and 24 years old
• People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

More information will be made available by the Minnesota Department of Health when additional supplies of the vaccine arrive. In the meantime, MDH officials continue to urge Minnesotans to get the seasonal flu vaccine. People should contact their health care provider or check the flu shot clinic finder to find a time and place where they can get vaccinated.

Resources

Influenza immunization

CDC Releases New Interim H1N1 Influenza Guidelines, June 15, 2009 CDC's H1N1 Flu Clinical and Public Health Guidance Web page has recently been updated with more interim guidance documents, including the promotion of recommendations for use of PPSV vaccine.

Are You a Face of Influenza Quiz? A quiz for consumers to take to determine if they are at high risk for influenza and should be vaccinated for influenza every year. American Lung Association

Myths and Facts About Influenza. Consumer information intended to dispel misconceptions about the influenza virus and influenza vaccine. American Lung Association

High Risk Groups and Influenza. Consumer alert to be vaccinated. Targeted to people with chronic medical conditions and others at high risk for influenza and serious complications. American Lung Association

Faces of Influenza brochure. Information to help consumers and health care professionals determine if they are at high risk for getting influenza and should be vaccinated for influenza every year. American Lung Association

Faces of Influenza poster. Information to help consumers and health care professionals determine if they are at high risk for getting influenza and should be vaccinated for influenza every year. American Lung Association

Influenza Information and Resources. Minnesota Department of Health immunization resources for consumers and health care professionals.

Influenza Pandemic Newsletter. Minnesota Department of Health updates on efforts to prevent a statewide influenza pandemic.

Healthy People 2010. A national prevention campaign managed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Its 2010 goal for vaccination of adults, aged 65 years and older, is 90%.

Immunization Action Coalition. Creates and distributes educational materials for consumers and health care professionals that promote increased immunization and disease prevention.

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Immunization information and resources for consumers and health care professionals.

Prevent Influenza Now! Provides strategies and resources for increasing immunizations and preventing influenza. Sponsored by the National Influenza Vaccine Summit (American Medical Association and CDC).

A Call to Action: Influenza Immunization among Health Care Worker. Promotes health care worker immunization through institutional commitment and a comprehensive approach. Sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

American Medical Directors Association Immunization Toolkit. AMDA strategies for initiating and implementing activities to address and prevent influenza and pneumococcal disease in long term care facilities.

Immunization Assessment Form. A template for tracking patient immunizations.

Home Health Immunization Toolkit 2007-2008. Contains sample immunization policies, forms, educational materials, posters, and references, including sections related to avian vaccine and pandemic influenza.

Public Health Training Network.Offers staff training and educational event, using a variety of instructional media, including print, videotape, and multimedia. CDC

Pneumococcal immunization

Pneumcoccal Vaccination. Provides information for consumers about pneumococcal disease, vaccines, vaccine safety, vaccination concerns and clinical information for health care professionals about. CDC

Pneumococcal Vaccination. Provides information for consumers on who needs to be vaccinated and when, with detailed information on vaccine schedules and forms. MDH

Pneumococcal Disease: Are You at Risk? Information from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., to help consumers and health care professionals determine if they are at high risk for getting influenza and should be vaccinated for influenza every year. APIC

Immunization billing

Quick Reference Information: Medicare Immunization Billing. Provides Medicare fee-for-service physicians, providers, suppliers, and other health care professionals quick information to assist with filing claims for the influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines and their administration.

Support

Contact Stratis Health for assistance with your quality improvement and patient safety needs related to immunization.

Jerri Hiniker
Program Manager
952-853-8540