January 6, 2005

Jameson Visiting Nurses Association Administers Flu Vaccine

New Castle, PA - Jameson Health System received their normal supply of flu vaccine for the Jameson 2004–2005 Flu Vaccine Program.  However on October 5, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), notified the health care community that Chiron, one of two vaccine manufacturers, was unable to provide 50 million doses of vaccine, thus leading to a shortage of approximately one-half the supply needed.  Jameson responded to the national shortage by monitoring national and regional influenza activity, working with community physicians to identify high risk, and preparing to provide vaccine to people in Lawrence County, meeting the revised CDC guidelines.

Two private medically directed clinics, held at Jameson South, gave 2,000 doses of vaccine.  The two public clinics were held at Challenges, Option on Aging, where 1,000 people received vaccine.  Jameson Hospital supplied 100 vaccine doses to Ellwood Hospital for direct care providers, offered and administered vaccine to physician offices, emergency response personnel, local nursing homes, Jameson Hospital patients, Jameson employees, Jameson volunteers, Jameson Visiting Nurses Association and Jameson Hospice patients.

The medically directed and public clinics were organized by Jameson Visiting Nurses Association and conducted in cooperation with Jameson Hospital, community

volunteers, and Lawrence County Vocational Technical School.  The clinics would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of community volunteers for the private and public clinics.  All clinics followed the CDC guidelines to assure that the highest risk adult population had access to the limited vaccine supply.

            The flu season has arrived in Pennsylvania and everyone should remember to practice healthy habits.  The most recent CDC flu activity report, week ending December 18, 2004, indicates that Pennsylvania and Ohio have sporadic flu activity.  Routines such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you are sick, may lessen your risk of getting the flu or reduce the severity of the illness.

Jameson Visiting Nurses Association is continuing to give vaccine to patients, patient caregivers, and people meeting CDC guidelines.  Effective January 3, 2005, the CDC guidelines will expand to people 50 years of age and older, as determined by the local demand and vaccine supply for high-risk patients seeking vaccine.  Jameson will continue to give vaccine until the vaccine supply is depleted.

For more information on the flu vaccine, please call Jameson Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence County at 724-656-4250.

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