IAFF Response to H1N1 (swine) Flu Outbreak

October 15, 2009 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated interim guidance on infection control measures to prevent transmission of the 2009 H1N1 influenza. The updated guidance applies uniquely to the special circumstances of the current 2009 H1N1 pandemic and will be updated as necessary as new information is available. In addition, the CDC has published questions and answers that address the special circumstances of the current 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

The IAFF is advising members to be aware of and take the necessary precautions for responding safely and effectively to an H1N1 flu outbreak, and strongly urges members be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1.

Both H1N1 vaccines are safe, and are produced in the exact same way as the seasonal flu vaccination. Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same time as any other vaccine, including pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Live 2009 H1N1 vaccine (nasal mist) can also be administered at the same time as any other live or inactivated vaccine except seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine. There is also an age limitation on nasal mist for individuals under 50, but anyone 50 and over need to get the inactivated vaccine.

It is the federal government’s position that first responders be provided the H1N1 vaccination in the first tier. This includes fire fighters in all capacities (first responders, EMTs, paramedics) who will be responding to emergencies, including medical calls, during this pandemic.

Being in this first tier will help protect all fire fighters with critical skills, experience or licensure status whose absence would create bottlenecks or collapse of critical function. The Department of Homeland Security supports this vaccination effort of all fire fighters and has already calculated that Emergency Services Sector first responders include law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency medical services (EMTs and paramedics).

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