New York State Gov. David Paterson has declared a state disaster emergency to support the effort to conduct mass immunizations against H1N1 influenza.
“Local governments are reporting that the current public health workforce is not sufficient to thoroughly execute a vaccination campaign of this magnitude,” Paterson said. “Those local governments and healthcare providers specifically requested that we issue this emergency declaration to give them flexibility to use additional personnel and resources in New York’s vaccination campaign.”
Under existing law, physicians, certified nurse practitioners and nurses may administer vaccinations. The Governor’s executive order will permit other healthcare workers – including physician and specialist assistants, pharmacists, dentists, certain dental hygienists, midwives and emergency medical personnel – to administer vaccinations after they receive training. They will work under the direction of the State or county health departments as part of sponsored mass vaccination clinics.
The executive order also authorizes school-based health centers to vaccinate adults and children, and allows hospitals to operate part-time immunization clinics on school campuses.
Nurses are encouraged to register for ServNY, the state’s registry of healthcare and mental health professionals who wish to volunteer during an emergency. By registering, you are notifying the state that you are open to the idea of volunteering; it does not guarantee that you will be called upon or that you are obligated to participate if you are called.