Story from the Field

Name of Health Department/Agency:	Bay County Health Department
State:	FL
Date Added:	01/27/2010
Themes:	Vaccine Planning and Administration
Issue Summary:	Difficulties in the vaccination of a large military base and their dependents
Description of Issue(s):	The issues in coordinating the vaccination of a large military base and their dependents. To solve the training of personnel to operate a joint point of distribution center (POD) with military and civilian staff. An accurate count of the population on and off base needing vaccine in alignment with the CDC tier. Logistical concerns for material and vaccine storage addressing the differences between military and civilian policy and protocol.
Actions taken to address the issue(s):	In conjunction with Texas A & M University, we developed a training curriculum to deploy both civilian and military partners in a joint point of distribution (POD). We developed policies and procedures on how to distribute vaccine for H1N1 and trained in excess of over 250 leadership personnel to implement this plan. Joint exercises were conducted over the summer months to hone our skills in this venture.
Outcomes that resulted from actions taken:	From October 1, 2009 to present day, we have been able to distribute in excess of 4,000 doses to the base population, and with their help, over 40,000 within the community. Tyndall Air Force Base is now ranked #1 in H1N1 Vaccination for Air Education and Training Command bases. The POD training facilitated with the Bay County response organizations poised Tyndall AFB for immediate response in the H1N1 outbreak. After evaluation, the POD was labeled best in the Air Force. See attached letter from the Department of the Air Force regarding this POD.

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