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Pandemic News for Senior Citizens
HHS Secretary Lays Out Pandemic Plan for Elderly
Senate aging committee focuses on preparation for
pandemic
 May 25, 2006 At a hearing this morning by the
Senate's Special Committee on Aging on "Preparing For Pandemic Flu,"
Health & Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt said, "two federal
advisory committees have recommended HHS prioritize elderly populations,
"particularly those with 1 or more influenza high-risk condition, for
vaccine administration and antiviral drug use." He added, however,
"these recommendations will be reviewed and possibly revised."
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"Though risk groups for severe and fatal infections
cannot be predicted with certainty, it is likely to include the
elderly," Leavitt added.
In discussing the impact of a pandemic influenza on
the elderly, he outlined these actions and recommendations by HHS:
● Advocated that states understand the needs of
special populations, including the elderly, when devising and exercising
their pandemic influenza plans.
● Urged states to consider and plan alternative
care sites, such as home care.
● Asked states to take into account the special
needs of the elderly when developing vaccine and antiviral distribution
plans. It will be essential that local and state plans take into account
how the chronic medical conditions of the elderly will be managed during
a pandemic.
● HHS, through CMS, will work with the elderly to
allow supplementary refills of medication during a pandemic, as it has
done in prior health emergencies.
● HHS is trying to promote individual
preparedness, including the elderly. The Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist
for Individuals and Families is relevant to the elderly in outlining how
to plan for a pandemic, how to limit the spread of germs and prevent
infection, and how to decide which items to have on hand for an extended
stay at home.
● Many older adults will be receiving home health
services or long-term care. Consequently, HHS and CDC have published two
checklists of particular importance to this population a Home Health
Care Services Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, and a Long Term
Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning
Checklist. Both checklists provide detailed suggestions on the structure
for organizational planning decision making, and guidance for developing
a written plan of action.
Leavitt used most of his presentation to outline
the government's overall plan for a possible pandemic and current
progress on these plans.
Committee Chairman Gordon Smith also announced he
is joining Senator Bayh in filing the All-Hazards Public Health
Emergency and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act. "This
important legislation will help state and local communities better
respond to the unique public health threats they might face and creates
new tools to encourage much needed public health workforce development.
For complete text of the speakers, follow the links
below:
● Senator Gordon Smith (Click
here to view statement - PDF)
● The Honorable Mike Leavitt , Secretary,
Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC (Click
here to view statement - PDF)
● Dr. Steve Cline , Chief, Epidemiology, State of
North Carolina, Raleigh, NC (Click
here to view statement - PDF)
● Nancy Donegan , Director of Infection Control,
Washington Hospital Center/MedStar, representing the American Hospital
Association, Washington, DC
(Click
here to view statement - PDF)
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