Mass immunizer

A live vaccine strain of measles (Chapter 15) was introduced in the USA in 1962 and to the UK in 1968. A single injection produces high-level immunity in over 95% of recipients. Moreover, since the vaccine induces immunity more rapidly than the natural infection, it may be used to control the impact of measles outbreaks. The measles virus cannot survive outside ofan infected host. Widespread use ofthe vaccine therefore has the potential, as with smallpox, of eliminating the disease worldwide. Mass immunization has reduced the incidence of measles to almost nil, although a 15-fold increase in the incidence was noted in the USA between 1989 and 1991 because of poor compliance. 

The history of the development of antitoxins in combating bacterial infection dates back to the early beginnings of organized bacteriology. Belrring was tile first to show that animals that were immune to diphtheria contained, in their serum, factors which were capable of neutralizing the poisonous effect of the toxins derived from the diphtheria bacillus. While this work was earned out in 1890, prior to many of the great discoveries of mass immunization, and much later the antibiotics, there yet remains a place for antitoxins in medical treatment or prophylaxis for some diseases, such as tetanus and botulism,... 

Hingson, R. A., Hamilton, S. D., and Rosen, M. The historical development of jet injection and envisioned uses in the mass immunization and mass therapy based upon two decades experience. Milit. Med. 128 516—524, 1963. 

There are several additional instances when Medicare does recognize pharmacists or pharmacies as providers. One example is when a pharmacist or pharmacy becomes a mass immunizer. Another example is when a pharmacy becomes a provider of durable medical equipment (Snella et al., 2004). Pharmacists also may submit claims to Medicare for CLIA-waived laboratory tests, but this recognition is specifically as a CLIA-waived laboratory and not for any other direct patient care or MTM services. 

Standardized procedures must be in place for mass immunization and prophylactic treatment clinics to be effective. 

Conduct a community planning exercise for mass immunization clinics. 

Chapter 24 Mass Immunization and Prophylactic Treatment Clinics... 

The following section describes various aspects involved in planning and conducting mass immunization and prophylactic treatment for your local area clinics. Factors such as state and local planning, estimating vaccine and medication needs, clinic site selection, staffing patterns, and detailed description of supplies and equipment needs are discussed. Principles for this section have been drawn from the Small Pox Vaccination Clinic... 

In preparation for a mass immunization and prophylactic treatment clinic, health departments around the country at the state and local levels have a variety of responsibilities (Blank, Moskin, Zucker, 2003). The following is a listing of those responsibilities that relate to preparedness functions ... 

Volunteers can be the backbone of many essential functions at mass immunization and treatment clinics. The following is a listing of functions that volunteers can perform in these types of clinics. 

Table 24.8 includes a summary of the recommended response steps for conducting mass immunization and prophylactic treatment clinics for the public. This checklist is a helpful tool for managers and planners to ensure that all aspects of clinic operation have been addressed in the planning phase. This list is also useful during an actual operation of mass clinics as a double check that all aspects of operation are in place. 

Mass Immunization and Medication Treatment Clinic Response Checklist... 

COMMUNITY PLANNING EXERCISE FOR MASS IMMUNIZATION CLINIC... 

The provision of comprehensive public health services is critical to the nation s health and well-being, and to homeland security and defense. Directing mass immunization programs, assessing the immunization needs of school-aged children, identifying infectious disease threats and delivering treatment are public health... 

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