EMS Staff Assists with Important H1N1 Vaccination Process

January 27, 2010 - During National Influenza Vaccination Week, January 10-16th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a nationwide effort to encourage residents to get the H1N1 vaccination as protection against the H1N1 virus. While H1N1 vaccine supplies are increasing, many communities are seeking help to administer the vaccine to their residents. As H1N1 vaccines continue to flourish, the need remains to have an increased number of health care providers available to administer the vaccinations. Several Paramedics at Atlantic and Cataldo Ambulance Service recently answered the call to assist area health departments to provide mass H1N1 flu vaccinations to residents.

During the months of December and January, Atlantic Ambulance Service, Peabody's official emergency ambulance service, provided specially trained Paramedics to assist with the administration of the H1N1 vaccine at the City's busy vaccination clinics. In mid December, the Peabody Health Department held two H1N1 Vaccination Clinics for at risk residents but needed additional vaccinators to meet the high demand of over 450 residents waiting for vaccination. With increased vaccinators the Peabody Health Department and Atlantic Ambulance were able to supply and vaccinate all eligible residents present at the clinic.

Due to frequent patient interaction in Emergency Medical Services, the H1N1 vaccine has been offered to all Atlantic and Cataldo EMTs and Paramedics throughout this year's flu season. In preparation for the increase of vaccines supplied throughout Massachusetts, many Paramedics at Cataldo and Atlantic have also been trained to administer the intramuscular injections as well as the administration of the vaccine into the nasal passage. Cataldo Ambulance Paramedics also assisted the health department in the City of Newton to vaccinate nearly 700 Newton residents at their H1N1 Vaccination Clinic held on January 13th.

Many local health departments have extended offerings to the high risk population but would like to extend the offer for vaccination to all residents by the end of January. As many more vaccinations are expected to be accessible for local residents throughout Massachusetts, Atlantic and Cataldo Ambulance Service will continue to assist local health departments in need of vaccinators during future H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination clinics.

Peabody H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Seen On WBZ TV
Click here to see the WBZ News coverage on the H1N1 Vaccination Clinic held in Peabody earlier this month.