Planning a Mass Vaccination Exercise Using Influenza Vaccine in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Abstract

ISSUE: Communities and healthcare organizations are preparing for bioterrorism and biological events. Plans include mass distribution of pharmaceuticals. The 2005 Joint Commission requirements include preparation to respond to epidemics or infections that can overwhelm organizational resources. PROJECT: A North Dakota Department of Health grant allowed the Northeast Biological Planning Coalition to adapt the Greater Grand Forks (GF) community's mass vaccination plan to an exercise administering free influenza vaccine to the public. Participating agencies included: GF Public Health, Altru Health System, Alerus Center, United Way, GF County Sheriff's Department, University of North Dakota, City of GF Public Information Office, GF Fire Department, GF Air Force Base, GF Police Department, GF County Social Services, UND Family Practice, Red Cross, and the Regional Bioterrorism Coordinator. The exercise was named MAXVAX. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Smallpox Response Plan and Guideline was used to calculate the number of vaccinees and workers needed to simulate the scenario of immunizing 70,000 people in 10 days. The MAXVAX goal was to give 1750 people influenza vaccine in 4 hours. The venue was the 447,000-sq.-ft. Alerus Center. One-hundred-twenty volunteers were identified. A media campaign invited the public to be vaccinated. RESULTS: Although final plans were in place, the event was cancelled on short notice due to the unexpected shortage of flu vaccine in December 2003. LESSONS LEARNED: An exercise will identify weaknesses in written bioterrorism plans. Weaknesses that we identified include: event communication plans, volunteer management, security, and accommodating persons with special needs and homebound persons. Implementation of community emergency plans requires cooperation between many agencies.