DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 3, 2004 DHSS-140-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRIVATE DOCTORS TO RECEIVE 10,000 DOSES OF FLU VACCINE FOR SICKEST PATIENTS
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has ordered approximately 10,000 doses of flu vaccine to be shipped directly to private doctors by manufacturers. Doctors will use the vaccine to immunize their sickest patients.
Seventy-six private Delaware medical providers will receive the vaccine within the next 2-4 weeks. Many of these providers have received little or no vaccine to date.
"This vaccine is intended for the sickest of the sick, not for the general public," DPH Director Jaime H. Rivera, M.D., said. "We've asked providers to contact and vaccinate patients who cannot safely attend our public flu vaccination clinics because of their illness or condition."
The vaccine is part of a state apportionment held by the vaccine manufacturer for Delaware. DPH has worked with representatives of physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and state legislators to make decisions about vaccine distribution. With the help of this group, DPH surveyed physicians about their vaccine needs and is distributing vaccine accordingly.
Doctors will contact their sickest patients directly to schedule appointments for those individuals to receive flu shots. Please do not call your doctor to inquire about the vaccine.
People who don't have a regular doctor or whose doctors do not receive part of the vaccine shipment should keep watching the media for announcements for an additional DPH vaccine clinic, and take other measures to prevent flu, such as avoiding people who are sick, staying home when sick, and washing hands frequently.
PEDIATRIC FLU VACCINE CLINICS
DPH will hold pediatric flu vaccination clinics for high-risk children on four dates in December: Dec. 8, 10, 14 and 16. To schedule appointments, parents and legal guardians should call DPH on Monday, Dec. 6, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1-800-282-8672.
DPH's Call Center will attempt to assign appointment times at sites closest to callers' homes. There will be four pediatric flu vaccine clinics held in New Castle County, one in Kent County, and three in Sussex County on Dec. 8, 10, 14 and 16. Callers should know their ZIP code and have a pen and paper handy to record their appointment information. Parents or legal guardians can schedule appointments for all children living in one household under the responsibility of that parent or legal guardian. For directions to clinic locations, call the Delaware Helpline at 1-800-464-HELP (4357).
Children eligible to receive appointments are:
- All 6 months to 23 months, or
- 24 months to 18 years with chronic disease or on aspirin therapy.
DPH defines pediatric high-risk groups as children having chronic conditions including:
- Heart disease,
- Lung diseases, such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD),
- Metabolic diseases, including diabetes and kidney disease,
- Blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia,
- Weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment and HIV/AIDS,
- Cancer.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany children on the day of vaccination, because they must sign the consent form before the child can receive a shot. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the appointment. Dress children in clothing that can be removed easily. If possible, do not bring children who are not receiving shots. Please be patient at the clinic sites as there may be delays because it takes longer to immunize young children. Bring three items:
- Proof that you or your child resides or attends school in Delaware.
- Your Medicaid card if applicable.
- Your appointment confirmation number.
ADULT FLU VACCINE CLINIC
Later this month DPH hopes to announce plans for its third adult flu vaccine clinic, which will be held in early January.
DPH is aware that there are high-risk individuals who have not yet been vaccinated. DPH is working to identify these communities and will make every effort to ensure that everyone at high-risk has a chance to receive a vaccination.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
