EpidemicsJefferson County tests flu pandemic vaccination capabilities

Local public health authorities in Jefferson County, New York are currently testing their ability to administer large quantities of flu vaccines in the event of a pandemic by offering to inoculate its residents for free.

With the help of the New York State Department of Health, the Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS) has received limited doses of the influenza vaccine which will be administered at a one-time clinic.

The one-time clinic is designed to simulate an emergency situation where local health workers would need to administer a large number of vaccinations in a short period of time.

The exercise is an annual ritual for JCPHS and this year’s test will specifically focus on training staff in using an online system to coordinate vaccinations in the hopes that it will increase efficiency and effectiveness in a real emergency.  

Residents who wish to receive the shot will be asked to sign up for an appointment using eHealth, an online scheduling system.  eHealth also provides residents with directions to the clinic’s location, what they need to bring, and general information about the flu.

Once an individual sets up an account on eHealth, they will receive critical public health notices and be able to schedule vaccinations in the future.

For the drill, only adults nineteen and over will be able to receive a free vaccination, but all residents are being encouraged to get inoculated.