Use of the HICS to Coordinate Multi-Agency Mass Influenza Vaccination Clinics in Response to Pediatric Influenza Deaths During the 2006-2007 Influenza Season

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to describe implementation logistics and successes of a mass influenza vaccination clinic.

Background:
January 31, 2007 a previously healthy 8 year-old boy died at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota (CHC) due to complications of influenza and pneumonia. During the following two weeks, five additional MN pediatric deaths were reported, creating increased demand for influenza vaccination.

Objectives:
Use the Hospital Incident Comman System in conducting a mass influenza vaccination clinic.

Methods:
Free influenza vaccine clinics for children and adults were held February 3rd and 10th. Clinics were coordinated by CHC, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Saint Paul Ramsey County Department of Public Health (SPRDPH).

Results:
Because of the multi-agency coordination, Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) was implemented. The CHC Infectious Disease Director was the incident commander, MDH Immunization Program Manager, the logistics chief and SPRCPH Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, the planning chief. At the Feb. 3 clinic, 430 children and 110 adults were vaccinated in 4.5 hours. 87% were not CHC patient. Patients were registered using usual clinic procedures, adults were referred to a separate clinic area, a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) assessed ill patients, and 12 stations were used. At the Feb. 10 clinic, appointment times were scheduled, registration was streamlined to vaccine contraindications and precaution questions only, families were vaccinated together, 2 PNPs assessed ill patients, and a maximum of 21 stations were used at one time. A total of 1561 patients were vaccinated in 6 hours.

Conclusions:
Multi-agency coordination enabled the success of mass vaccination clinics with very little preparation time. Additionally, ample vaccination stations and staff accustomed to vaccinating pediatric patients, escorts and pre-scheduled appointments kept waiting times minimal. Parents should be educated regarding the possible severity of influenza and encouraged to vaccinated children during routine fall vaccination clinics.