DDS Preventive Health Campaign Topic: Get Your Shots! DDS CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE FLU AND PNEUMONIA As part of the California Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) quality assurance response to the National Core Indicators (NCI) survey results, DDS is launching a campaign to get individuals with a developmental disability vaccinated for flu and those 65 years old and older, as well as those with certain chronic conditions, vaccinated for pneumonia. This is an ambitious goal, but vaccinations are easy to get and save lives. Flu and pneumonia are common causes of serious illness and even death, but these diseases are largely preventable. The best way to prevent flu and pneumonia is to get vaccinated. DDS is asking regional centers to join its campaign, by helping everyone they serve to get vaccinated. WHAT IS DDS DOING? DDS has created materials for this campaign. These materials are on the DDS SafetyNet website at http://ddssafety.net/health/preventive-health/fighting-flu-and-pneumonia. The materials include a poster and two informational brochures, one about flu and another about pneumonia, and a sample letter for providers, caregivers, and families. They also include related videos and articles created for the SafetyNet. WHAT CAN REGIONAL CENTERS DO? DDS is asking regional centers to get the message out. Service coordinators can give the brochures to individuals they serve and their families. The brochures explain what flu and pneumonia are and that vaccinations prevent them. They list places where individuals and families can go to obtain vaccinations and explain what to expect there. Regional centers can send the brochures and links to other materials to providers along with their electronic billing. Providers and direct support professionals (DSP) can help persuade individuals they serve to get vaccinated. They can also go with them when they get the vaccines. Regional centers can put campaign materials on their websites and in public spaces. Regional centers can put materials for the campaign, as well as a link to www.DDSSafety.net, on their websites. They can also place hard copies of the brochures in reception and meeting rooms at the regional center.
Transcript
DDS Preventive Health Campaign
Topic: Get Your Shots!
DDS CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE FLU AND PNEUMONIA
As part of the California Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) quality assurance
response to the National Core Indicators (NCI) survey results, DDS is launching a campaign
to get individuals with a developmental disability vaccinated for flu and those 65 years old
and older, as well as those with certain chronic conditions, vaccinated for pneumonia. This is
an ambitious goal, but vaccinations are easy to get and save lives.
Flu and pneumonia are common causes of serious illness and even death, but these
diseases are largely preventable. The best way to prevent flu and pneumonia is to get
vaccinated.
DDS is asking regional centers to join its campaign, by helping everyone they serve to get
vaccinated.
WHAT IS DDS DOING?
DDS has created materials for this campaign. These materials are on the DDS SafetyNet
website at http://ddssafety.net/health/preventive-health/fighting-flu-and-pneumonia. The
materials include a poster and two informational brochures, one about flu and another about
pneumonia, and a sample letter for providers, caregivers, and families. They also include
related videos and articles created for the SafetyNet.
WHAT CAN REGIONAL CENTERS DO?
DDS is asking regional centers to get the message out.
Service coordinators can give the brochures to individuals they serve and their
families. The brochures explain what flu and pneumonia are and that vaccinations
prevent them. They list places where individuals and families can go to obtain
vaccinations and explain what to expect there.
Regional centers can send the brochures and links to other materials to
providers along with their electronic billing. Providers and direct support
professionals (DSP) can help persuade individuals they serve to get vaccinated.
They can also go with them when they get the vaccines.
Regional centers can put campaign materials on their websites and in public
spaces. Regional centers can put materials for the campaign, as well as a link to
www.DDSSafety.net, on their websites. They can also place hard copies of the
brochures in reception and meeting rooms at the regional center.
Vaccinations Are Important for the People You Support1
What is a vaccination?
A vaccination (also called an immunization) helps a person’s body defend itself against disease. It makes the body’s defenses (also called the immune system) stronger. A vaccination for a particular disease keeps a person from getting that disease.
How do immunizations work?
Vaccinations usually include a germ (a little bit of a disease). For example, a flu vaccination has some of the flu germ in it. The vaccination has just enough of the germ that a person’s body can fight it off. The next time the person is exposed to that disease, their body will remember how to keep them healthy. Some vaccinations will last for a person’s whole life, but others need to be given every few years.
Are they dangerous?
Health officials consider vaccinations very safe. Vaccinations can have side effects, but they are rarely serious. We know that:
Side effects happen less than one in a million times
The positive effects of vaccinations are greater than the risks
Mild side effects from vaccinations can include:
Mild fever
Soreness where the shot was given
Why are vaccinations important for people with developmental disabilities?
Vaccinations are an important part of staying healthy. For example, the flu vaccine lowers the number of people who end up in the hospital each year for respiratory illness.
We know that during January and June of 2009, 40% of all reported special incidents for individuals in California with developmental disabilities were for unplanned hospitalizations. Over 30% of reported unplanned hospitalizations during this period were for respiratory illness. Vaccinations can keep people healthy and help them stay out of the hospital. There are a lot of rumors that vaccinations are dangerous. It is important for support people to know the facts about vaccinations to help the people you support prevent illness whenever possible.
Which vaccinations should people get for sure?
Doctors now recommend that everyone get vaccinated for the following diseases:
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
Measles, mumps, rubella
Hepatitis B
Meningitis
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Chickenpox (if you have not had the disease)
Polio
Shingles
What about the flu vaccination?
Doctors also recommend that the following individuals get flu vaccinations:
People 65 years and older
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
(like licensed community homes) or who have a long-term illness
Adults and children 6 months to 18 years of age with chronic heart or lung conditions, like asthma
Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year for illnesses like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a weakened immune system
Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy
Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
All children 6 months through 18 years of age
People with any condition such as: difficulty breathing or swallowing, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve or muscle disorders
Any person in close contact with someone in a high-risk group (see above)
When should people get vaccinations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have printable schedules for both children and adults. You can find them here:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
You can also find a one page printable summary for adults on the DDS
Here are some health facts you should know about the people you support when getting vaccinations. You can talk to the individual’s doctor about these health facts:
People who have a severe allergy to eggs should not get the flu (influenza) shot or the yellow fever vaccine.
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine should not receive that vaccine again.
People with weak immune systems may not respond to the vaccine or they may have more side effects after they get a vaccine. Ask the doctor what's best.
If someone is very sick with a high fever when scheduled to get a shot, it is best to wait until the fever is gone.
Side effects of some common vaccinations:
Flu:
o A small number of individuals have a mild fever. Some have soreness where the shot was given.
o Serious allergic reactions are possible, but rare.
Vaccines and Immunizations: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have devoted a number of pages to information about vaccines and immunizations. The site includes a number of materials that can be downloaded and printed.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm
Vaccine Safety: Frequently Asked Questions: A listing of commonly asked questions about the safety of vaccinations (for example, how long do they last, how are they made, etc.).
1 This article was adapted from information found at the websites for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Public Health Agency of Canada. See Resources for website locations.
www.ddssafety.net Last updated May 2016 4
Hepatitis A
o Many people have soreness where the shot was given. Some have headaches, a loss of appetite, and are tired from 3 to 5 days afterwards.
o If there is an allergic reaction, it will happen quickly following the shot. This reaction is very rare.
Hepatitis B
o Many people have soreness where the shot was given. Some have headaches, a loss of appetite, and are tired from 3 to 5 days afterwards.
o If there is an allergic reaction, it will happen quickly following the shot. This reaction is very rare.
Meningitis
o Minor reactions include redness or soreness where the shot was given. Some people develop a mild fever.
You should contact a doctor right away if an individual has any mild or serious side effects.
This table gives general guidelines on adult vaccinations. Check with the doctor of the person you support for questions about specific conditions.
For guidelines with a star (*) you should talk to the person’s doctor.
older:
www.ddssafety.net Last updated August 2015
Vaccine:
19-49 years old:
50-64 years old:
65 years or
Influenza
Individuals with a chronic health problem or in close contact with at-risk individuals need a dose every fall or winter.
Individuals need a dose every fall or winter.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)
Individuals who smoke cigarettes or have certain chronic conditions need 1 or 2 doses in their life.
Individuals need one dose if they have not been vaccinated.
Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate
(PCV13)
Individuals with a chronic health problem need 1 lifetime dose.
Individuals need one dose if they have not been vaccinated.
Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussus (Td or Tdap)
Individuals who have not had at least 3 tetanus-and- diphtheria-containing shots ("Td shots") sometime in their life, need to get them now. They should start with dose #1, followed by dose #2 in a month, and dose #3 in 6 months. All adults need Td booster doses every 10 years. If they are younger than age 65 years and haven’t had a pertussis- containing vaccine as an adult, they should have a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine—known as "Tdap."
Hepatitis B
Individuals need this vaccine if they are at high risk for hepatitis B infection* or simply wish to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is given as a 3-dose series (dose #1 now, followed by dose #2 in 1 month, and dose #3, usually given 5 months after dose #2).
1 Adapted from “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule—United States, 2015,” a publication of the Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule.pdf.
www.ddssafety.net Last updated August 2015 2
Vaccine:
19-49 years old:
50-64 years old:
65 years or
Hepatitis A
Individuals need this vaccine if they are at high risk for hepatitis A infection* or simply wish to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given as 2 doses, 6–18 months apart.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Individuals need this vaccine if they are age 26 years or younger. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over 6 months.
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Individuals need at least 1 dose of MMR if they were born in 1957 or later. They may also need a 2nd dose.*
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
If the individual never had chickenpox or was vaccinated but only received 1 dose, talk to their healthcare provider about whether they need this vaccine.
Meningococcal
Individuals with certain medical conditions should receive one or more doses of this vaccine.*
Haemophilus influenza type b
(Hib)
Individuals with certain medical conditions should receive one or three doses of this vaccine.*
Zoster (shingles)
Individuals who are age 60 years or older should get this vaccine now.
If you are this age, talk to your healthcare professional about these vaccines
doses
More Information: There are several flu vaccines available. Talk to your healthcare professional about which flu vaccines is right for you.
* If you are pregnant, you should get a Tdap vaccine during the 3rd trimester of every pregnancy to help protect your babies from pertussis (whooping cough).
You should get zoster vaccine even if you’ve had shingles before.
There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine: PCV13 (conjugate) and PPSV23 (polysaccharide). Talk with your healthcare professional to find out if one or both pneumococcal vaccines are
recommended for you.
Your healthcare professional will let you know how many doses you
need.
Your healthcare professional will let you know how many doses
you need.
Recommended for you if you did not get it when you were a child.
If you were born in 1957 or after, and don’t have a record of being vaccinated or having had measles, mumps and rubella, talk to your healthcare professional about how many doses you
may need.
There are two HPV vaccines but only one HPV vaccine (Gardasil®) should be given to men.
If you are a male 22 through 26 years old and have sex with men you should complete the HPV vaccine series if you have not
already done so.
For more information, call 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636) or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines
Recommended For You: This vaccine is recommended for you unless your healthcare professional tells you that you cannot safely receive it or that you do not need it.
May Be Recommended For You: This vaccine is recommended for you if you have certain risk factors due to your health, job, or lifestyle that are not listed here. Talk to your healthcare professional to see if you need this vaccine.
If you are traveling outside the United States, you
may need additional vaccines.
Ask your healthcare professional about which vaccines
you may need at least 6 weeks prior to your travel.
2015 Recommended Immunizations for Adults: By Health Condition If you have this
health condition, talk to your healthcare professional about these vaccines
doses
HSCT* r
only
or greater
through
years
doses
Chronic alcoholism
professional will let you know how many doses you need.
vaccines available. Talk to your healthcare professional about which flu vaccines is right for you.
should get a Tdap vaccine during the 3rd trimester of every pregnancy to help protect your babies from pertussis (whooping cough).
vaccine even if you’ve had shingles before.
(conjugate) and PPSV23 (polysaccharide). Talk with your healthcare professional to find out if one or both pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you.
let you know how many doses you need.
If you were born in 1957 or after, and don’t have a record of being vaccinated or having had measles, mumps and rubella, talk to your healthcare professional about how many doses you
may need.
There are two HPV vaccines but only one HPV vaccine (Gardasil®) should be given to men.
*Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
If you are a male 22 through 26 years old and have sex with men you should complete the HPV vaccine series if you have not already done so.
Recommended For You: This vaccine is recommended for you unless your healthcare professional tells you that you cannot safely receive it or that you do not need it.
May Be Recommended For You: This vaccine is recommended for you if you have certain other risk factors due to your age, health, job, or lifestyle that are not listed here. Talk to your healthcare professional to see if you need this vaccine.
For more information, call 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636) or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines
If you are traveling outside the United States, you
may need additional vaccines.
Ask your healthcare professional about which vaccines
you may need at least 6 weeks prior to your travel. YOU SHOULD NOT GET THIS VACCINE
CS251118
Flu
Influenza
Td/Tdap
Tetanus,
diphtheria,
pertussis
Shingles
Zoster
Pneumococcal
Meningococcal
MMR
Measles,
mumps,
rubella
HPV
Human papillomavirus
Chickenpox
Varicella
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hib
Haemophilus
influenzae
type b
PCV13
PPSV23
for women
for men
Pregnancy
Flu
vaccine every year
*see below
1 dose of Tdap
followed
by Td booster every 10
years
SHOULD NOT GET VACCINE
1 - 2
1 or more doses
SHOULD NOT GET VACCINE
SHOULD NOT GET VACCINE
2 doses
3 doses
Weakened Immune
System
1 dose
1 - 2 doses
3 doses through age 26 years
3 doses through age 26 years
post-
ecipients
HIV: CD4 count less
than 200
3 doses
1 or 3 doses
HIV: CD4 count 200
1 or 2 doses
2 doses
Kidney disease or
poor kidney function
1 dose for those 60 years or older
3 doses
age 21
Asplenia (if you do not
have a spleen or if it
does not work well)
1 or
more doses
3 doses
1 or 3
1 dose
1 or more doses
1 or 3 doses
Heart disease
Chronic lung disease
Diabetes
(Type 1 or Type 2)
3 doses
Chronic Liver Disease
2 doses
More Information: There are * If you are You should There are two different types of Your healthcare
several flu pregnant, you get zoster pneumococcal vaccine: PCV13 professional will
Recommended for you if you did not get it when you were a child.
As winter approaches, the flu season picks up steam. The flu season starts in November and runs
through April, with its peak between late December and late March. As many people know from
their own personal experience, becoming ill with this respiratory ailment is extremely unpleasant
and can significantly disrupt lives.
Influenza
Influenza, the flu, is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system (e.g., the nose, throat,
and lungs). It is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, and talks, sending the virus into
the air where others can inhale it. People may also become infected by touching surfaces such as
doorknobs or telephones, where the virus is present and then by touching their nose or mouth.
The flu is highly contagious. To prevent the spread of the virus, people should practice consistent
hand washing and do their best to keep their hands away from their nose and mouth.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 10% to 20% of U.S.
residents will get the flu each year. The CDC also estimates that 114,000 people will be
hospitalized and 36,000 will die as a result of influenza. According to the National Center for
Health Statistics, approximately 192 million days will be spent in bed due to people having the
flu. Although most people recover from the flu within a week or two, some people who become
ill with the flu are at greater risk for developing pneumonia and other serious complications.
Protection
The CDC’s traditional recommendations on who should get a flu shot (and when) have included
priorities for certain high risk groups. This means that people who are at greater risk from the flu
and its potential complications should be the first people to get the vaccine. These include:
•
•
•
•
persons age 50 years or older;
young children age 6 months to 23 months;
persons who reside in long-term care facilities who have long-term illnesses;
adults and children (age 6 months or older) who have chronic heart or lung conditions
(including asthma), chronic kidney disease, weakened immune systems, or metabolic
diseases such as diabetes;
children (age 6 months to 18 years) who receive long-term aspirin therapy and could
develop Reye Syndrome after the flu;
women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season; and
people working in health care or related settings to prevent infecting those in their care.
•
•
•
This year, however, the CDC is recommending that everyone (with the few exceptions noted below) receive a flu vaccine. It has been reported nationally that the virus expected to hit the
U.S. this season is very potent. There is plenty of vaccine to go around and people are urged to
take advantage of it.
1
The following people SHOULD NOT receive flu shots:
•
•
•
persons who have a severe allergy to eggs;
persons who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past; and
persons who have developed Guillain-Barre' Syndrome during the 6 week period
following a flu shot.
One myth about the flu is that the vaccine in flu shots causes the flu. This is not true. The flu vaccine used in the United States is made from inactivated (killed) flu viruses. This vaccine
cannot cause the flu or flu illness. There is also a new form of the vaccine available that is
administered in a nasal spray. People should contact their physician or health care professional
regarding the most appropriate means of protection against the flu virus.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family Member
Should you or a family member come down with a case of the flu, there are things you can do to
alleviate the symptoms and feel better. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are both very
helpful. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is also recommended. Some over-the-counter medications
may lessen the symptoms; just make sure your physician approves their use. Children and
teenagers should avoid taking aspirin due to the possibility of developing the rare but serious
illness called Reye Syndrome. Your physician or health care professional can advise you on the
best course of action to relieve discomfort.
2
Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Respiratory Illness
Recognizing Respiratory Illness
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Illness
Colds
Flu (Influenza)
Pneumonia
Aspiration Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Treating Respiratory Illness
Preventing Respiratory Illness
Tips for Avoiding Colds and Flu
Get a Flu Shot
Wash Hands Frequently
Cover a Cough
Recognizing Respiratory Illness
Respiratory illness is a major cause of unplanned hospitalizations for individuals with
developmental disabilities. While people can get a respiratory illness any time, they
are more likely to get one in the fall or winter months. As a supporter, it is important for
you to
Help the people you support stay healthy and avoid respiratory illness
Get treatment if they show signs or symptoms of illness
It is important for you to stay healthy as well.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Illness
Most respiratory illnesses come and go within a few days. However, some can cause
more serious health problems. The following are the most common respiratory
illnesses.
Colds: Colds come on gradually and usually last no longer than a week or two.
Symptoms may include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and coughing, a scratchy
throat, and watery eyes.
Flu (Influenza): Flu symptoms come on suddenly. The flu is more serious and lasts
longer than a cold. Flu symptoms may include a fever, a headache, chills, a dry
A Publication of the California Department of Developmental Services
Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Respiratory Illness
cough, body aches, and fatigue. The flu, like a cold, can also cause a stuffy or runny
nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. A yearly flu shot (vaccination) helps prevent many
complications from the flu and colds that could be worse for people with asthma,
diabetes, and heart disease, and for anyone 50 and older.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by an
infection. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are a cough (often with mucus), a
fever, chills, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include confusion,
excessive sweating, clammy skin, a headache, loss of appetite, and fatigue. A more
serious symptom is a sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe
deeply or cough. Individuals should get medical attention if they have any of these
symptoms.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Aspiration Pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that is caused
when food or liquids are breathed into the lungs, and can involve choking. Individuals
who have problems with swallowing are at the greatest risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Frequent aspiration is dangerous and may lead to aspiration pneumonia or other lung
injuries if it is not treated. For more information on aspiration and aspiration
pneumonia, go to the DDS SafetyNet website and search for aspiration or go to
Medline Plus on your browser and search for aspiration pneumonia.
Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lining of your bronchial tubes. These
tubes carry air to and from your lungs. The major symptom for bronchitis is a dry
hacking cough. Other symptoms may include a tightness, burning, or dull pain in the
chest, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and body aches. Bronchitis usually improves within
a few days, although the individual may continue to cough for weeks.
Treating Respiratory Illness
If the individual shows signs or symptoms of respiratory illness:
Call their doctor. Describe their symptoms. Follow the doctor’s orders. Encourage the individual to stay home and rest. Encourage the individual to drink plenty of liquids. Encourage the individual to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow. Encourage frequent hand washing especially after coughing or sneezing.
Call the doctor again if the individual is not feeling better or if you notice
o Any worsening of symptoms. o A buildup of mucus. o A fever that does not go down. o Increased shortness of breath. o A cough that causes sleep problems or continues for more than a few days.
As a supporter, you need to follow these same treatment guidelines in order to protect
yourself and those who are in your care.
A Publication of the California Department of Developmental Services
Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Respiratory Illness
A Publication of the California Department of Developmental Services
Preventing Respiratory Illness
Get a Flu Shot!
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for the flu season everyone who is at least 6 months of age get a flu shot. This is true both for supporters and the individuals they support.
It’s especially important for people who are at high risk to get a flu shot, including:
Individuals who are at high risk of getting pneumonia: o People who have medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and lung disease. o Pregnant women. o People 50 years and older.
People who live with, or care for, others who are at high risk.
Visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm for more information about the flu and the seasonal vaccine.
For more information on “Prevention Tips” go to ddssafety.net and search for Prevention of Colds and Flu.
Additional Important
Prevention Tips:
Wash Hands Often
In addition to a flu shot, a good way to prevent
getting a respiratory illness is frequent hand
washing using soap and water. Hands should
be wet with water and plain soap and rubbed
together for at least 20 seconds. Then hands
should be rinsed and dried with a clean towel.
Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available.
Cover a Cough or a Sneeze
People’s coughs or sneezes should be covered
with a tissue or, if a tissue is not available, into
