WWHD announces joint local task force to plan for influenza outbreaks
(Aug. 24, 2009) Mark A.R. Cooper, Director of Health for the Westport Weston Health District has announced that school, government and public health officials are collaborating through a joint local task force to plan for and take action related to H1N1 influenza outbreaks during the coming flu season. “We are working together to do all that is possible to prepare for the uncertain flu season ahead of us and to make sure our citizens understand how best to minimize the spread of influenza in our schools and communities”.
Cooper praised school nursing, local school and government officials for their participation and efforts to safeguard students and citizens.
Cooper said that the three main goals of the Task Force are to:
- balance the risk of flu within our schools and community with the disruption that school dismissals will cause in education and the wider community;
- facilitate collaboration at the local level; and,
- enhance communication related to H1N1 influenza among local, state and national health and education officials and to prevent the spread of flu and other communicable diseases within our schools and community.
The towns of Westport, Weston and Wilton have reviewed and are prepared to implement their Public Health Preparedness and Response Plan should the severity of the H1N1 flu increase in the coming weeks or months.
Noting the concern about the availability of a vaccine that is currently under production and testing by federal authorities, Cooper indicated the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to anticipate that an H1N1 vaccine should be licensed and ready for distribution by mid-fall 2009. The vaccine will be available at a number of sites including local physician offices, health clinics and the our 2009 flu clinics. Once available, those administering the vaccine will be held accountable to follow CDC established priorities and protocols. The CDC has stated the priorities and protocols will be enforced by federal, state and local authorities.
Additional information is available at the following websites.