North tests emergency protocol

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring the North Attleborough health department to set up an emergency flu vaccination dispensing site.

On Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1-2 p.m., Massachusetts residents of all ages can go to North Attleborough High School to receive free flu vaccinations.

"The vaccinations are available and we are hoping people will come," says North Attleborough Town Nurse Anne Marie Flemming, R.N.

The vaccinations are free because they have been provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

"I have approximately 500 doses of the vaccination. This is including about 10 small doses for infants and eight for toddlers," says Flemming.

Toddlers will receive Flu Mist, which is a nasal vaccination rather than receiving an injection.

The health department is looking for volunteers to staff the event and help run the clinic.

"I have approximately 35 volunteers right now. We are still looking for more though, because you can never be too prepared. I do know that I will be receiving some student volunteers from North Attleborough High School's honor society," says Flemming.

To sign up people are asked to contact the board of health by calling, sending a letter, or writing an e-mail.

"It is important for the volunteers to sign up ahead of time rather than walking in the day of. I provide a half hour training program, meet with each volunteer to check their license and identification.
Preferably every volunteer will have been given a badge and assignment ahead of time," says Flemming.

Volunteers will be assigned tasks in eight areas of operation.
The first assignment is in the area of Patient Flow.

These volunteers will be in charge of greeting patients as they enter and also to help them with the registration process.

The second area is Patient Care and these volunteers will be doctors and nurses who will work triage and give medical evaluations.

Other areas the clinic will require help with are transportation and traffic control, security, child care and communication.

Float staff and supply staff are also going to be assigned in order to make sure the operation runs smoothly.

"This is a local program however it is being duplicated on the same day by two neighboring towns. Both Attleboro and Rehoboth will be holding flu vaccinations at schools in their towns," says Flemming.

Last year all three towns worked together and did a regional vaccination program.

This year's changes have been made based on recommendations in order to control patient flow.

"The emergency dispensing site would help in times of a smallpox outbreak, anthrax scare, or flu pandemic," says Flemming.

"You never know what could potentially arise. We hope this will help better prepare us to dispense whatever vaccination we are provided to fight any problem we are faced with," Flemming says.

The clinic will serve the community by dispensing vaccines and antibiotics within 48 hours in the event of either a flu pandemic or bio terrorist attack.

"The project itself is important in preparing ourselves," says Flemming.

"The event will hopefully strengthen the infrastructure for public health and communication in terms of preparedness," says Flemming.

Volunteers may sign up by calling 508-699-0104, by sending a
letter to 43 South Washington St. NA 02760, or by e-mailing the board of health at cleydon@north-attleboro.ma.us.