MPHA Issue Priority
Pandemic Flu and Emergency Preparedness
Threats of natural disaster, pandemic flu, and acts of terrorism are tragic realities in our world. The pandemic flu of 1918 killed 550,000 Americans in ten months and 30 million people worldwide.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that Massachusetts is on track to distribute H1N1 flu vaccines by mid-October. Health officials encourage those who are considered at higher risk to get vaccinated as soon as the H1N1 vaccine is available. These groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers of children under 6 months old
- Children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old
- People aged 25-64 years old who have certain underlying health conditions which put them at greater risk of medical complications if they get the flu
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
Fortunately, there are actions we can take as individuals,
communities, and a Common-
wealth to plan and prepare for emergencies,
hopefully helping to reduce the risk to
everyone, including particularly
vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children. MPHA is advocating
for improved cooperation with local public health officials and targeted
funding to improve planning and emergency response capacities.
Learn about other priority issues of MPHA.