Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Earl Best

Curaçao Emergency Medical Services

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

DISASTERS DON’T EXIST.

“Damage is the result of failure of mankind to appropriately

address significant issues, of failure to plan and of failure to

execute. Inequity in and insufficient prioritization of the use of

financial resources contribute considerably to these failures.”

Earl Best

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

6 Sept. 1995 : Hurricane Luis - Sint Maarten, Neth. Antilles;

8 Sept.: DOH - Vaccinate travelers to and from SXM and relief workers (DTP- Typhus). Vaccinate all ALM and KLM personnel and pax;

8 – 14 Sept.: PAHO – MOH – Health Inspectorate Holland – LCC – DOH (discussions);

- 23 Sept. : ALM – KLM still vaccinating personnel, cancellation advise not received.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Flood - Tornado – Hurricane – Earthquake – Tsunami – Volcanic activity – Torrential rain

Disruption of community water supplies and sewerage systems with contamination as a consequence;

Interruption of refrigeration;

Outbreak of communicable diseases;

Public and political demand for emergency mass immunization.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

National Immunization Program

DTPP and Hib : 2 – 3 – 4 – 11 months 4 yrs. DTP

MMR: 14 months 9 yrs. MMR

Hep-B:2 – 4 – 11 months

MenC: 14 months

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Immunization Program Police – Fire – Ambulance - Relief workers

Hep – B : 1 – 1 – 5 month

BCG: single dose (areas where prevention fails)

Influenza vaccine: annually with current vaccine

Tetanus toxoid: booster: i.m every 2 yrs / sc every 3 yrs

Yellow fever: when indicated

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Mass Immunization

Counterproductive: diversion of limited manpower and other resources from relief tasks;

Gives a false sense of security leading to neglecting basic rules of hygiene and sanitation which are far more important in the case of natural disasters;

Antibodies take time(weeks) to develop, immunization will provide moderate protection;

Adverse vaccine reactions.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Prevention of communicable disease

Wash hands with soap and water :

Before preparing or eating food;

After toilet use;

After handling potentially contaminated articles.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Prevention of communicable disease

Use only bottled or trucked water from safe source;

Use only vigorously boiled water ( 10 min.);

Use only appropriately disinfected water, when contamination has occurred or is suspected.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Prevention of communicable disease

Consume only food that is safe to consume and wasn’t

spoiled due to interrupted refrigeration.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Prevention of communicable disease

Have a shelter / refugee camp monitoring system in place with special attention to overcrowding and hygiene.

Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles

Conclusion

Supplying safe drinking water and applying appropriate hygiene measures are the most practical and effective strategies in the prevention of communicable disease

after a natural disaster .

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