Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to consider key immunization issues that should be included in disaster plans for local and state immunization clinics.


Background:
Vaccine ordering, distribution and adminstration challenges during a catastrophic disaster.


Setting:
Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi on August 29, 2005, totally devasting coastal communities as far as 10 miles inland. A total of 47 counties were affected in Mississippi's 82 counties statewide.


Population:
The preliminary reports indicate that over 800,000 people were affected.


Project Description:
Immediately following the storm rescue and response workers and others flooded the coast to provide assistance. After initially getting food, water and fuel to the affected areas for the victims, requests for large amounts of vaccine such as tetanus and Hep A became overwhelming. The amount of destruction increased the potential for injuries and there was an immediate need for Td vaccination. Flood waters increased concern for Hepatitis A and created a demand for the vaccine. Ordering, distrbution, and administration became major functions of the immunization program. This required working with the Strategic National Stockpile, FEMA, the state pharmacy, Federal Marshalls, local Emergency Operations.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Central Distribution of vaccines is difficult when the demand is so great. Participation with the BT SNS staff was invaluable to provide assistance with storage capacity. In an event of such magnitude, it became evident that public concerns can lead to decisions to utilize vaccines beyond their normal recommendations.