November 15, 2008
Toksook Bay prepares for a public health emergency
By Tiffany Zulkosky
The village of Toksook Bay recently conducted a Mass Dispensing Exercise on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 15-16, at three locations throughout the community. In an effort to simulate preparation for a communicable disease outbreak, 20 volunteers dispensed the influenza "flu" vaccine to local residents at the City of Toksook Bay office, Head Start, and school.
The planning team included Anne Willard, FNP; Diana Therchik, SRC Operations Manager; Anna John, CHP; and Petra Cupino, PHN. The team set a goal to immunize 50 percent of the community; the exercise vaccinated 75 percent of the village's population, surpassing the original goal by 25 percent.
The Nunakauyak Traditional Council, the City of Toksook Bay, and the State of Alaska Public Health Nurses joined YKHC in the planning and execution of the coastal community's Mass Dispensing Exercise.
For more information about the flu vaccine, or the YK Delta Immunization Coalition, call 907-543-2110 or 907-543-6955.
