The New Mexico Department of Health is planning for influenza mass vaccination clinics that will take place this fall to protect people against the novel H1N1 strain of influenza (earlier referred to as swine flu) and against seasonal influenza. The Department of Health is also ensuring that the State and its local partners are prepared to deal with the possibility of an increase in severity of H1N1 influenza cases, including a potential pandemic in New Mexico.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising states that vaccine companies are working on producing an H1N1 vaccination that may require people get two shots in addition to the seasonal influenza vaccination. The agency has not told states when to expect vaccines yet. CDC plans to cover the cost of vaccines for all states.

"We are reaching out to our healthcare and education partners throughout the state to make sure we can immunize New Mexicans from H1N1 and seasonal flu," said Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD. "We recognize that we're asking the public to take the time to protect themselves from two different strains of influenza this year. We are trying to plan clinics statewide that are convenient for people."

Due to the increase in the number of vaccinations, the Department will recruit additional people into the NMserves database, a statewide registry of pre-credentialed, volunteer healthcare professionals available to potentially respond to an emergency. To volunteer, look up nmserves/ or call Bobbie MacKenzie at 505-476-8302.

"We appreciate the dedication of our healthcare professionals who are willing to step up during a time of need and help us protect New Mexicans," Dr. Vigil said.

The Department is updating its response plans if flu severity increases this year. This includes planning for storage and distribution of antivirals, establishing an inventory of personal protective equipment, training hospitals on medical evacuation and medical surge, and developing toolkits to educate specialized populations about what they can do to prevent and respond to flu cases. The Department will distribute educational information to child-care centers, schools, long-term care facilities, prisons, families and the elderly.

The Department of Health participates in weekly conference calls with the CDC to have the latest information about vaccine development and current tracking of the H1N1 disease.

H1N1 illness has been mild so far in New Mexico. Twenty-two clinics across New Mexico are reporting weekly on the percent of patient visits with influenza-like illness. So far, there have been no clusters of H1N1 cases in New Mexico and no deaths. Thirteen people have been hospitalized, and everyone has recovered.

For information on H1N1, look up nmhealth/FLU/seasonal/swine_flu.html.

Source
New Mexico Department of Health