DHSS Press Release

PRE-REGISTRATION NEEDED FOR PROVIDERS ADMINISTERING NOVEL H1N1 FLU VACCINE

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has established a pre-registration process for all licensed immunization providers interested in administering federally funded H1N1 vaccine. All Delaware facilities that provide immunizations and intend to receive and administer this vaccine should pre-register by Sept. 8 at: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/files/h1n1providerpreregform.pdf.Only providers with active licenses and in good standing in the state of Delaware need register.

Vaccine quantities sufficient to meet U.S. demand are expected within the first six months of distribution, but at this time vaccination will be restricted to the following populations, per CDC recommendations:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than six months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, and people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Providers are cautioned that the pre-registration process may be subject to change depending on unforeseen factors affecting the distribution of H1N1 vaccine. Any change to the proposed plan will be communicated through various methods including the DPH website.

• Pre-registration is free and registered providers are not committed to order or administer the vaccine, but may receive updates and vaccine planning information.
• Pre-registration collects shipping and contact information necessary for the shipment of vaccine to providers. Providers are also asked to estimate the number of persons they realistically intend to vaccinate and the type of vaccine they expect to use - nasal or injectable.
• Providers already enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program will be expected to make the H1N1 vaccine available to their VFC clients that seek it. Estimates should therefore include both VFC and non-VFC (private) clients.
• Registered providers will receive e-mail and/or fax updates to assist with pandemic vaccine administration planning.

Below is a partial list of the providers that may pre-register. Facilities that do not fit under any of these categories may indicate such under "other" on the form.

• Pediatric practice
• Family practice
• Hospital
• Internal medicine
• Obstetrics/gynecology
• Long term care / assisted living
• Occupational health
• School or college
• Urgent care center
• Federally Qualified Health Center
• Community vaccinator
• Other

Please call 1-800-282-8672 if you have any questions regarding the pre-registration process.

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.