H1N1 INFLUENZA UPDATE

From the Town web site:

As we begin a new month, the Franklin Health Department and the Board of Health continue to finalize our plans for large scale public H1N1 influenza clinics.   To date the Health Department has recruited over 70 volunteer medical professionals to staff our flu clinics.  At a September special meeting of the Franklin Board of Health, Dr. Dianne Daddario of Franklin was appointed as the Medical Director of our volunteer medical staff.  Dr. Daddario will assist the Health Department with the planning and operation of all H1N1 flu clinics in Franklin, and will provide direct medical oversight of our medical volunteers.

The Franklin Health Department completed the H1N1 vaccine registration process with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in September.  As a registered vaccine program, the Franklin Health Department is now eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine direct from a central vaccine distributor in order to supply our public clinics.  What we do not know at the present time is how much vaccine we will be allocated, and when the vaccine will be delivered.  What we do know is that the initial number of doses allocated for Massachusetts will be much reduced from what we originally expected.  In addition, we can fully expect not to have sufficient supplies of H1N1 vaccine available for large public clinics until sometime in November.  The first doses to be received in Massachusetts which is estimated to be approximately 30,000,  will be sent to select physicians’ offices and other medical practices for healthcare workers, pregnant women and very young children.  Again, the initial supply of vaccine will be only a small portion of the states total allocation.  We have been assured that deliveries will continue each week or thereabouts, until all vaccine has been distributed.  

Once the Franklin Health Department receives enough H1N1 vaccine to hold a public clinic, we will identify our target group as directed by the CDC and the MA DPH and schedule our clinics.  Clinic dates and locations will be widely advertised and parents and individuals will receive important information such as consent forms and vaccine information statements well in advance of the clinics.

As always, if you have any questions regarding H1N1 influenza or the department’s vaccination plans, please contact the Franklin Health Department via our dedicated H1N1 email @ H1N1flu@franklin.ma.us, or you may call our office at 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.

Public Health Director

Franklin Health Department

Franklin Board of Health

Bruce Hunchard, Chair

Paul Cheli

Donald Ranieri, Jr.