DHSS Press Release

MEDIA ADVISORY – 3 of 3

WHAT:	The Delaware Division of Public Health will prepare for the 2012-2013 flu season by offering free influenza vaccines to the public. The flu clinic is being run as a timed drill so DPH staff can practice their readiness in the event of a large scale health emergency.
WHO:	Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director, Delaware Division of Public Health Southern Health Services Section and Emergency Services and Preparedness Section.
WHEN:	September 27, 2012 Flu clinic runs 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Media tours offered at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Del DOT Training Center, Dover Campus 800 Bay Road (Sign Shop Road) Dover, DE 19901

VISUALS:

• This event is part of DPH’s ‘Get It’ outreach campaign, developed to promote the importance of annual flu vaccination.
• Public Health nurses will administer flu vaccine to Delawareans age 9 and above. They will offer the intramuscular flu vaccine for ages 9 years and above, and the nasal FluMist for ages 9 years to 49 years. Clients who sign a media consent form may be photographed.
• For the emergency preparedness element, staff will test their flexibility of being completely mobile. Staff will be evaluated for quality assurance and safety, ease of administering the vaccine, handling crowds in an orderly manner, and processing paperwork. Staff will follow incident command and wear identification vests.
• Media tours will show the supplies (including chilled vaccine), a registration desk, a line for individuals with special needs, a waiting area, and where the vaccine is administered.
• On October 5, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Farmer’s Market in New Castle will host a flu clinic/POD Exercise to launch the New Castle County flu vaccination efforts. At 3 p.m., DPH will announce the recipients of their statewide immunization awards.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.