Comments on: HHS to Host H1N1 Conference Call Thursday

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Barbara,
Thank you for your insightful, expert commentary.

Readers,
Barbara Citarella and Patricia Tulloch, who are RNs and consultants with RBC limited, and who are highly respected nationwide for the depth of their knowledge regarding pandemics and OASIS and all home health clinical matters, have offered to weigh in like this from time to time when your questions require specific clinical expertise. So keep the questions and comments coming and we will make this space a truly beneficial learning experience for all.

The Editor

By: Barbara Citarella

Barbara Citarella — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:19:13 +0000

Answers to H1N1 questions from:
Barbara B. Citarella RN, MS,
RBC Limited
Healthcare & Management Consultants
http://www.rbclimited.com
pandemic expert

Vaccinate as many as possible in 5 initial target groups
Pregnant women
Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
Health-care and emergency medical services personnel1
Persons from 6 months through 24 years of age
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications2

Prioritization within these 5 target groups might be necessary if initial vaccine availability is insufficient to meet demand
Pregnant women
Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age
Health-care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
Children from 6 months through 4 years of age
Children and adolescents aged 5 through 18 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications

Simultaneous administration of inactivated vaccines against seasonal influenza viruses and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus IS PERMISSIBLE if different anatomic sites are used.

Simultaneous administration of live, attenuated vaccines against seasonal viruses and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is NOT RECOMMENDED

Homebound is not a criteria for admission first round out with vaccine.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:59:15 +0000

Charles,
I found it:

Did you miss the Information Exchange with HHS on H1N1 Healthcare System Preparedness and Response on August 20? You can still listen to the exchange using the Encore feature – Dial 800-642-1687, conference identification is H1N1. Also – you can continue to send questions and comment to H1N1.listening@hhs.gov

While questions cannot be answered individually, these questions will help shape the content and subject matter of the next call, scheduled for September 14.

Tim

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:04:45 +0000

Charles,
The initial information from CMS did not mention a recorded version. I will look into it.
Tim

By: Charles Law, PhD

Charles Law, PhD — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:36:11 +0000

Missed the call, is their going to be a transcript or summary posted?

By: bowen

bowen — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:39:21 +0000

For H1N1 vaccination, what specific medical conditions do 25 to 64 year olds need to have to fall into the higher risk group? Is there something other than asthma or HIV or does it include patients with immunocompromised conditions,heart disease, diabetics, renal disease etc

By: Deborah Conway

Deborah Conway — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:02:32 +0000

Will home health care agencies be allowed vaccine for their homebound patients if they were not allowed seasonal flu vaccine?

By: surrinder suri

surrinder suri — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:56:56 +0000

Can H1N1 and regular influenza vaccine be mixed in the same syringe in order for the children not to get 4 injections