SALT LAKE CITY—
With both H1N1 and seasonal influenza expected to be circulating this fall, health officials anticipate the 2009-2010 flu season to be much more severe than usual. In addition to vaccinating for seasonal influenza, public health and community partners will also be managing vaccination campaigns for H1N1.This is a daunting task because, in addition to providing seasonal vaccine, SLVHD will need to vaccinate as many as 500,000 people with the H1N1 vaccine, says Dr. Dagmar Vitek, SLVHD Medical Officer. He adds, "We are asking our citizens to volunteer to help support the health and safety of our community." Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units are teams of local medical and public health professionals, and community members who volunteer to contribute their skills, expertise, and time to support ongoing public health initiatives and public health emergencies.
During a large-scale public health event, such as a pandemic influenza outbreak, public health staffing resources will be quickly utilized beyond their capacity, said Scott Werner, MRC Coordinator for SLVHD. "The success of our response efforts will be tied to how quickly and effectively we can mobilize MRC volunteers," said Werner. Volunteers in the SLVMRC will be recruited, screened and trained, and will be called upon if needed for emergency response in Salt Lake County. Volunteers will support critical public health emergency response activities such as: Dispensing medications and vaccinations, Conducting health assessments, Medical screenings, Mental health consulting, Health education, Translation, and Administrative support
For the initial recruitment, the SLVMRC is particularly in need of the following medical volunteers licensed in Utah: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Physicians, and Physician Assistants.
Non-medical support volunteers are also invited to apply. Anyone who is 18 years old or older, works well in stressful situations, has good customer service skills, and works well in a team is eligible to serve. Support activities will include assisting with paperwork, greeting, directing and managing the flow of people through a medication/vaccination center, providing information about a disease or condition and providing interpretation services. Interested citizens and disaster/emergency response volunteers are encouraged to contact the SLVHD. Volunteers will be matched to flu support opportunities based on skills, interest and availability.
For more information call the Salt Lake Valley Health Department at (801) 468-2424.
FOX 13's Katy Carlyle has more.
SEND US YOUR NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTS PICTURES! www.fox13now.com/pics
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @fox13now
