In preparation for the coming flu season, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched a campaign to promote vaccine distribution to healthcare providers in the county. Public Health encourages health care providers to vaccinate their patients who are members of groups that are at risk for serious flu complications and order sufficient pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine to vaccinate all at-risk patients.

“Private physicians, community health centers, hospitals, and student health centers at colleges and universities can all do their part to protect their patients and Los Angeles County communities by ordering their vaccination today,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH; Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “Because healthcare providers can spread pandemic H1N1 to their patients, it is also important that they get vaccinated and urge all staff who come into contact with patients to do so as well.”

Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine can be ordered at no charge from the federal government through a statewide web-based ordering system, along with supplies required for vaccine administration, such as safety syringes, alcohol swabs, and sharps disposal containers. Participating providers will be eligible to receive a vaccine administration fee from public and private health plans when they vaccinate eligible members. Private and non-profit health care providers throughout Los Angeles County are encouraged to participate in this program. This is the only way for health care providers to order this vaccine. Initial delivery of vaccine will be around October 15th

To order the no-charge vaccine and supplies, providers may complete the simple online vaccine ordering process at www.CalPanFlu.org. For more information on pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine, providers may click here.

“Healthcare providers – especially those who treat patients who are most at risk for serious H1N1 complications – should plan now to vaccinate throughout the influenza season,” said Dr. Fielding. “Pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, internists, family practitioners, and physicians who treat individuals with underlying chronic illnesses should order vaccine now and develop systems for vaccinating their patients.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, has released pandemic H1N1 vaccination recommendations that prioritize groups that are at greatest risk for contracting the flu, spreading it, and suffering from serious complications. Priority for receiving the H1N1 vaccine should be given to:

• Pregnant women
• People living with or caring for infants under six months of age
• Emergency medical services personnel
• Health care workers
• Children and young adults from six months through 24 years
• People aged 25 through 64 years with chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or weakened immune systems

Residents seeking the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to do so from their regular healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Individuals in Los Angeles County who are uninsured and do not have a regular healthcare provider may be able to receive low- or no-cost immunizations at a community health center, public health center or community vaccination event. Residents are encouraged to click here or call the county’s info line after October 5th at 2-1-1 to locate such providers.