December 15, 2007
Sharon Kristovich, right, stands by as Michael Tunley, EMT, gives a flu shot to one of the 338 people who got flu shots at the Mass Dispensing Exercise.
YK Delta Preparedness Coalition has success with Second Annual Mass Dispensing Exercise
by Lori Pruitt, YHKC Infection Control
More than two years ago community organizations began meeting together in hopes of putting plans in place to meet the need of the Bethel community if a pandemic event such as the flu occured.
Members of this coalition include Public Health Nursing, the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, the City of Bethel, Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Game, Bethel Family Clinic, and the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP).
On November 3, a Mass Dispensing Exercise (MDE) was held at the Armory and met with great success! This is the second time such an exercise has been done in Bethel.
The purpose of the MDE is to effectively and efficiently distribute vaccine in the event of an infectious disease outbreak. By practicing such an event, two goals are met. First, it helps the coalition determine how well its plan works. Secondly, because flu vaccine is used for the MDE, many people in Bethel are able to get a free flu shot.
This year, the MDE was again held at the armory. Of the 378 people who came to the armory, 338 received flu shots. Satellite groups also went into the community and flu shots were given for short periods of time at the Hageland and Grant terminals, AC Store, AC Quick Stop, Corina's Case Lot, and Swansons. These areas were very effective; 102 shots were given at these sites.
Most people who came to the armory were able to go through in less than five minutes! Three lines were set up for dispensing the vaccine and an opportunity to complete an evaluation was given on the way out. There were also areas for medical and behavioral health help.
Over 75 people volunteered to help with the event. The wonderful volunteer crew certainly made this event successful. People from Bethel Alternative Boarding School (BABS), Bethel Regional High School, the City of Bethel, BFC, PHN, YKHC, YKCC, BYF, Health Aides, UAA School of Nursing students, and Bethel HAM radio operators were among the many organizations represented through the volunteers. Special thanks to Kathleen Stanton, Public Health Nurse, for being the clinic manager in charge of the MDE. People helped do everything from cleaning off the armory steps, to giving shots, to helping people through the line, to helping the volunteers get to where they needed to go.
Thanks are also due to the State Preparedness Office, who graciously gave flu vaccine for the MDE. Jim Mackin, Director of the Preparedness Program, was on hand during the event and was very complimentary of its organization and smoothness.
Donations for the event were received from AC, Corina's, Swansons, Bethel Car Rental and -Bethel Emergency Volunteers Services Association (BEVSA). Kilbuck and the National Guard also donated the use of their site for the event. Thanks to all these groups!
While we hope the need for such a mass dispensing doesn't happen, we will be prepared for it. If you have questions about mass dispensing exercise, or would like to find out more about how to have one in your community please call Public Health Nursing at 543-2110. If you would like your flu shot and missed the opportunity, please go to your Village Clinic or, in Bethel, to YKDRH, Public Health Nursing or Bethel Family Clinic. Have a safe and healthy winter!
