CDC Will Host a Strategy Session on the H1N1 Virus on August 29 in Somerville

On August 17, 2009, in Uncategorized, by The News Staff

Call to register for this event

Mayor
Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Health Department Director Paulette
Renault-Caragianes today announced that the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) has selected Somerville as one of ten national sites for an H1N1
vaccination strategy and information session, to take place on
Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Center for Arts at the Armory, 191
Highland Avenue. The day-long event is open to the first 100 residents
who register, and all registered participants will receive a $50
stipend for participation in focus groups throughout the day.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided. Interpretation will be
available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and American Sign
Language for those requesting that service.

A series of ten
sessions will be held around the country before Labor Day, all designed
to help state and local health organizations develop a voluntary fall
vaccination program for the H1N1 flu virus. Public discussion at
strategy sessions will focus on the following questions:

‚Ä¢ Should the CDC create a mass vaccination program against H1N1?

‚Ä¢ What are the particulars of a mass vaccination program?

‚Ä¢
How does the federal prioritization guidance (developed for all
scenarios) apply in light of this real outbreak? If there are elements
that don't apply, what's different and why?

‚Ä¢ Are there particular/unique strategies that this pandemic will require?.

"In
choosing Somerville as one of ten locations around the country for
these public forums, the CDC acknowledged value that the ethnic,
cultural, and economic diversity of our City offers a unique and
important opportunity to gauge the very wide range of views the public
holds around how local, state, and federal public health agencies
should move forward in dealing with H1N1. We look forward to having the
chance to listen to our constituents on this important issue," said
Renault-Caragianes.

To register for the event or for more information,, contact the Somerville Health Department at 617-625-6600 x4300.