Bismarck Hospitals Establish Flu Vaccine Guidelines
Posted on 11/17/2004
You’re probably hearing a lot of information about the shortage of flu vaccine this year. But plans are in place to address the shortage, so there should be no reason for panic. Here in Bismarck, the two hospitals, St. Alexius and Medcenter One, got together to address the issue. Using the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and in consultation with the State Health Department, they established their own protocols for giving flu shots.
The populations identified to receive vaccine were individuals of any age with chronic disease who are at risk of death or severe illness from a heart or lung condition. Anyone who has some type of illness or disease where their immune system is compromised. Pregnant women who are considered to have a high risk pregnancy and healthcare workers with direct patient contact. Once these populations have been vaccinated, if there is vaccine remaining, it will be available for other high risk individuals.
Individuals wanting to be vaccinated need to see their doctor so that the doctor can pull their chart and verify that they qualify to receive the vaccine. Children ages 6-23 months are covered under pediatric influenza guidelines and parents should see their pediatrician so that their child can be vaccinated.
Because fewer people may be vaccinated this year than in other years, everyone should work together to ensure they stay healthy. Hand washing is the number one method of preventing the spread of disease. Be sure to wash your hands often and to scrub for at least 15 seconds to make sure hands are clean. Alcohol-based hand rubs are a great tool when water’s not available.
If you or a family member does get a cough or cold, be sure to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Use a tissue, so that the germs aren’t left on your hand, which then transmits germs to others.
Finally, if you think you have the flu or if you just have a bad cold, with symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches…be considerate of others and stay home. There’s nothing like a warm fire, a cup of hot tea, some chicken noodle soup and a good book to get you feeling better soon.