Prepare for an unusual flu season

Prepare for an unusual flu season

Vaccine shortages may wreak havoc with EDs

With the unprecedented shortage of influenza vaccine this flu season, hospitals are scrambling to prepare for what may be a record number of flu patients presenting to their already overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) and for staff shortages due to record absenteeism. After almost half of the United States’ planned vaccine supply was contaminated, high-risk candidates — including the very young, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, and health care workers with direct patient care — have been identified as those to receive the vaccine. In response to the national shortage, Thomson American Health Consultants has developed an influenza sourcebook to ensure you and your hospital are prepared for what you may face this flu season.

Hospital Influenza Crisis Management will provide you with the information you need to deal with ED overcrowding, potential liability risks, staff shortages, and infection control implications for staff and patients. This sourcebook will address the real threat of a potential pandemic and the proposed response and preparedness efforts that should be taken in case of such an event. Major guidelines and recommendations for influenza immunization and treatment are included, along with recommendations for health care worker vaccination and the efficacy of and criteria for using the live attenuated influenza vaccine.

Hospital Influenza Crisis Management will offer readers continuing education credits. For information or to reserve your copy at the pre-publication price of $149 (a $50 discount off the regular price), call (800) 688-2421. Please reference code 64462.