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New Web Site Offers One-Stop Shop for Ohio Flu Vaccine Info
With a continuous stream of flu vaccine information flowing from sources within Ohio and the national front, a Web site launching today pools vital resources in one easy-access location. The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Ohio’s Quality Improvement Organization, Ohio KePRO, created this site to promote immunization and respond to this flu season’s vaccine shortage. The Web site provides Ohio health care providers and others with a reliable source of current information on immunization for the 2004-05 flu season, including how to obtain adequate amounts of vaccine.
With limited flu vaccine reducing the number of Ohioans eligible for a flu shot this year, the newly-launched site, www.ohanet.org/flu/, reminds Ohio’s health care workers to protect appropriate patients and themselves. Less vaccine may equal more people contracting the flu, making it even more crucial that high-risk groups protect themselves. An increased patient load also relies more heavily on the state’s health care professionals, who can only treat patients if they avoid coming down with the flu themselves.
The new Web site serves as a central hub for the flurry of changing flu vaccine information. Resources include: · Direct links to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ODH, OHA, Ohio KePRO and American Hospital Association information and recommendations; · Information on vaccine availability for Ohio hospitals willing to share or needing extra doses; · Current recommendations on who should receive a flu shot; · Downloadable posters, flyers and other resources touting the importance of immunization and other ways to prevent the flu; · An explanation of FluMist as an alternative to a flu shot.
Promoting the immunization of priority Ohioans, including hospital employees and other health care providers, is a strong emphasis of the Web site. Health care workers are dedicated to caring for their patients, and worker and patient immunization programs can play a big role in this care.
“As providers we are always thinking about care for our patients and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves,” said Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis, MD, FACP, medical director at Ohio KePRO. “The Web site reminds us to stay healthy so we can take care of those who develop the flu and its complications.”
The new site explains the restrictions on the 2004-05 influenza vaccine and offers tools to help health care workers reduce the time and work involved in creating or expanding immunization programs. Posters, flyers and other materials help spread the word: Protect Your Patients, Protect Yourself.
“This season’s flu vaccine shortage adds one more hurdle to immunizing at-risk patients and those who interact with them on a regular basis,” said Carol Jacobson, OHA director of emergency management. “This site gives Ohio health care workers an easy way to stay on top of new information and obtain vaccine for the state’s most fragile populations.”
Visit www.ohanet.org/flu/ throughout the 2004-05 flu season for up-to-date information on the vaccine shortage, immunization programs and changes in national and state regulations and recommendations.
The Ohio Hospital Association was established in 1915 and currently represents 170 hospitals and 40 health systems throughout Ohio. OHA's mission is to provide leadership by working with member hospitals to meet the health care needs and improve the health status of the communities they serve. Visit OHA’s Web site at www.ohanet.org. For information on top health care issues, visit the online OHA News Media Center at www.ohanet.org/media/.
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