Paramedics as Partners In Back to School Immunizations

DOH-Broward invited all members of the City Readiness Initiative program, which included the Fire Chiefs of 21 municipalities to participate in the Back to School Immunization campaign. The municipalities provided a vaccination venue and allowed paramedics to serve as vaccinators. DOH-Broward utilized an Incident Command Structure (ICS), which assisted in the provision of technical expertise, vaccines and storage and handling. DOH-Broward also sought additional partnerships which included Broward County Schools, Broward County Medical Reserve Corps and Volunteers, and the Haitian American Nurses Association as well as DOH-Broward volunteers. Results: This initiative: (1) created additional venues for parents to obtain immunizations; (2) enhanced community partnerships; and (3) provided opportunities to utilize the ICS and Points of Dispensing (PODs) as an emergency management exercise