EMTs eligible to administer flu vaccinations
2:26 p.m.
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TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: November 17, 2009
BURLINGTON -- More than 700 of Vermont’s licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics are now eligible to serve as vaccinators at public and school clinics across the state, Health Commissioner Wendy Davis announced Tuesday.
Davis said qualified EMTs and paramedics must first file an application with the Vermont Department of Health.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is widespread in Vermont, and EMTs who serve in fire departments, private and municipal EMS services can expand the number of qualified health care professionals who can administer vaccine.
“These health care professionals will be a valuable resource as we work to vaccinate those who are most at risk for serious complications from the new H1N1 flu,” Davis said in a news release.
A total of 142 school-based clinics and 17 public clinics have been held to date as part of an ongoing mass vaccination effort to protect as many people as possible who are most at risk for serious complications from the flu. Vaccinations also are given in hospitals, health-care provider offices and other settings.
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