Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Emergency Proclamation Strengthens Clark County H1N1 Response

Tuesday evening the Board of Clark County Commissioners approved an emergency proclamation in support of our local H1N1 response. This proclamation expands the number of persons who can administer the H1N1 vaccine, expedites purchasing procedures, and assists with staffing resources.

The first shipment of H1N1 vaccine to SW Washington is anticipated to arrive this week. We are expecting several thousand doses of intranasal mist, which will be distributed throughout Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties. Under the proclamation, paramedics and certain emergency medical technicians will be allowed to help with the vaccinations, speeding up the effort to inoculate health care workers and county residents.

Starting mid-month, public health officials anticipate weekly shipments of the vaccine in both the nasal mist and shot forms for broader distribution. The emergency proclamation will enable the county to purchase materials and services in an expedited manner.

Please visit the public health website at http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/ for more information.

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