August 31, 2009, ST. LOUIS - September typically is characterized by back-to-school routines, cooler weather and, in health care, planning for influenza season. This year, those plans are busier than usual, as health agencies continue to closely monitor H1N1 activity around the world and drug companies work to produce quantities of H1N1 vaccine.
At BJC, plans are in place once again to vaccinate all employees against seasonal flu beginning in October. At the same time, BJC infectious disease experts are working with local health departments to understand and develop plans for H1N1 vaccination that will target specific population groups, expected to begin later in October. H1N1 vaccine production will not meet the demand for the general population initially, so H1N1 vaccinations will be given on a priority basis to groups of people identified to be at highest risk.
(more: H1N1 FAQs)
The H1N1 vaccine distribution will be implemented through departments of health at the direction of the U.S. government. Based on H1N1 patterns that have emerged around the world, the vaccine is expected to be made available initially to high-priority groups including:
- pregnant women
- persons who live with or provide care for children under 6 months of age (such as parents, siblings and day care providers)
- health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious materials
- children ages 6 months to 4 years
- children and adolescents ages 5-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
Other priority groups as more vaccine becomes available are all children and youths ages 5 to 24 years, and adults ages 25 to 64 with chronic underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
“H1N1 preparedness and planning is a changing process,” says Keith Woeltje, BJC medical director of infection prevention and Washington University infectious diseases physician. “Our plans were tested last spring when H1N1 appeared in our communities and have been improved as a result, but we will continue to be flexible to respond to new developments or national guidelines.”
Plans are in place for seasonal flu vaccinations. BJC employees will receive vaccinations in the workplace beginning Oct. 1. For the second year, seasonal flu shots will be required for all employees. Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospital will also offer free seasonal flu vaccines to the community. For dates and information, click here.