link: CDC H1N1 Flu Main Resource Page
link: MA Health Blog / MA Flu Statistics

From the World Health Organization, Jun 11, 2009

Today the World Health Organization raised the Influenza pandemic alert Level for H1N1 to phase 6.

	On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, 
	the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The
	Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza
	pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. "The world is now at the start of the
	2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference today.
	-- WHO website

Read the complete statement from Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization

From Liisa Jackson, Lead Coordinator, Region 4A-MRC, May 28, 2009

Dear MRC Region 4A MRC Volunteers,

As many of you may already aware, Congress has provided emergency appropriation of $1 billion to manufacture vaccines for the novel H1N1 (swine) flu virus.  However, no decision has been made whether to start wide-scale production of the vaccine yet. 

Please refer to this Wall Street Journal article for more details.

In all likelihood, this H1N1 vaccine will go into production in the summer.  I anticipate that we will receive the vaccines in late October or early November.  This vaccine will most likely requires a booster shot 30 days after the first shot, since we don't have much, if any, immunity towards this novel virus strain.  In order to organize and carry out a town-wide vaccination clinic, we will need all of your help.  I believe this is why you signed up as a volunteer!

We have a Mass Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS) Operations Plan in place, and exercised that plan last November at our Annual Flu Clinic at the High School.  If you would like to be a part of our team in running these vaccination clinics, please let me know.  There will be at least 2 clinics for the H1N1 vaccines and booster, and 1 or 2 for the seasonal flu.  We NEED>/i> your help!  If you would like to help but have not been to the EDS training classes, please sign up our upcoming classes at: http://www.region4a-mrc.org/Training.php

This is a two-session class, and you'll need to attend both sessions. This class will help you understand the mechanics of an EDS, as well as proper ways to deal with situations that may come up while running the EDS.  I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't taken it before to attend the training.

Currently, the CDC guidelines give first responders and those essential personnel responding to the pandemic to have first priority in receiving the vaccine.  That means the volunteers that are running the vaccination clinics will be vaccinated first, together with Fire and Police.  Locally, we are also considering immediate family members of the volunteers, Police and Fire is included in the priority list.

Sign up the EDS classes and come help your neighbors and our community to run the clinics!

Best regards,  

Liisa Jackson
MA Region 4A Coordinator

From Liisa Jackson, Lead Coordinator, Region 4A-MRC, May 11, 2009

Dear MRC Region 4A MRC Volunteers, and Colleagues,  

Since the initial announcement of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak, many MRC of the local branches in Region 4A have reported that they are maintaining their situational awareness, reviewing their pandemic response plans with their local public health, medical and emergency response partners, and planning for possible Strategic National Stockpile distributions of antiviral medications. In addition, many MRC have conducted H1N1 flu-related activities in their communities buy getting H1N1 information, Flu Care at Home and family preparedness out to their communities.

At the National level here is what other MRC units are doing: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage

We will continue to share this information with key leaders within HHS, including the Surgeon General. 

By being fully aware of the activities taking place in our Region and across the country, we will best be able to tell the story of how the MRC made a positive impact during this public health emergency.

Your efforts and continued hard work are appreciated, and we look forward to reading and reporting on more of your responses.

Liisa Jackson
MA Region 4A MEC Coordinator 
Volunteers Building Strong, Healthy, and Prepared Communities

 

From Liisa Jackson, Lead Coordinator, Region 4A-MRC, April 30, 2009

Good Morning MRC Volunteers,  

I hope this message finds you well.
As MRC volunteers, and as I would recommend to anyone, this is a good time to take stock of your household preparedness for emergencies, making sure you have replenished your supplies in your 72-hour kit and updated your family disaster plan.  It's also a good time to remind your family and your co-workers about healthy hygiene habits that will prevent the spread of any disease:

 
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
2. Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow, instead of into your hands.  Throw away tissues after use.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If you get sick, stay home from work or school, consult with your Primary Care Physician, and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.  

At this time the Health Department is echoing the DPH and CDC recommendations, which include those listed above, as well as:
 
5. If you or a household member has recently returned from Mexico, and flu-like symptoms develop, please consult with your family physician and let them know about your recent travel history.  Symptoms of influenza include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
6. If someone in your household is sick with influenza, the DPH "Flu Care at Home" program is a great resource.
   Health Dept guidelines
 

As always, please contact me (email is best) if you have any questions.

Liisa

MakeFamilySafer.pdf
Home Preparedness Checklist-8.doc  

State	# of laboratory confirmed cases	Fatalities
Arizona	1   ( 1 new)	0
California	14   ( 4 new)	0
Indiana	1   ( 1 new)	0
Kansas	2   ( 0 new)	0
Massachusetts	2   ( 2 new)	0
Michigan	2   ( 2 new)	0
Nevada	1   ( 1 new)	0
New York (NYC)	51   ( 6 new)	0
Ohio	1   ( 0 new)	0
Texas	16   (10 new)	1
TOTAL COUNT	91   (27 new)	1 fatality

International Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization

The US Centers for Disease Control is currently reporting only 67 confirmed cases, with no deaths, in the United States.  No cases have been reported in Massachusetts or New England.

Symptoms of influenza include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.  

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.   Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it is possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. In this case there was a mutation that resulted in what is now known as the H1N1 flu. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu (or H1N1) by eating pork products.

• CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• CDC Main H1N1 Flu Page
• CDC H1N1 Flu Health Alert (PDF)
• World Health Organization (WHO) Main H1N1 Flu Page
• American Public Health Association Influenza Information Page
 

• CDC Emergency Response
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• American Red Cross
• Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has produced a Swine Flu Fact Sheet (PDF) and an Advisory for Schools and Those in a Childcare Setting.

Please feel free to disseminate widely. Also here is a list of websites with information about the swine flu investigation at the national and international levels. MDPH will continue to distribute information about the swine flu investigation as widely as possible as it becomes available.

• Main H1N1 Flu Web Link
• Key Facts
• Case Counts
• Guidance and Recommendations
• Influenza General Resources
• Influenza OPLAN
• Seasonal Flu Overview
• Info Phone Line:   1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

• Public Health Emergency Declaration
• Pandemic Flu.Gov
• Federal and world response stages
• Use of Pneumococcal Vaccine
• State-by-State Pandemic Planning and status

• Confirmed H1N1 case count
• Pandemic Alert System/Levels
• H1N1 Flu Page

MA Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps Executive Committee and the Town of Concord

Powerpoint presentation and templates for you to use!

	Public Health and Mass Shelters powerpoint
	Shelter Survey Template
	Shelter Agreement 2008 Template
	Health Services Protocols

Download the powerpoint presentation documenting the December 2008 Ice storm and MRC response.

Read more about the Ice storm, and how Region 4A provided critical support for Fitchburg and other communities.

To Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps members,

The Region 4A MRC was chosen to be spotlighted on the National MRC website.

Are you thinking of becoming a Volunteer?  We are looking for individuals who are interested in joining the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to support their town, region, state, or even beyond.  The MRC is made up of volunteers who assist in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. The MRC may also be called upon to help during the year with routine events in the community (e.g. Annual Flu Clinic, Health Fair, or Public Health Outreach). Local Corps are formed in conjuction with Police, Fire, and the Board of Health in each town. United States citizenship is not required to be part of the MRC, and any community member can assist with administrative and other essential support functions, even without medical training.
Learn more...

Benefits of volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps:

1. Serve your family, friends, neighbors and loved ones in your town and beyond
2. Be part of a team trained to provide medical, public, and mental health support during an emergency
3. Network with other medical and public health professionals, as part of a critically important and specialized team
4. Participate in initiatives that enhance and strengthen public health such as vaccination and health education programs
5. An MRC trained volunteer could be part of a team mobilized to serve your country during a national emergency such as Hurricane Katrina
6. Free training and continuing education credits for topics such as:
• Personal safety in emergency situations
• Sheltering
• Emergency management
• Incident Command System
• Existing local emergency plans, procedures, and facilities

Join Now!