TAKE THE LEAD —

Working Together to Prepare Now for Pandemic FluLions Club

Thank you.Let’s talk about pandemic flu!

Why be concerned about pandemic flu? Why prepare?

• History tells us it’s “not if, but when”• 3 pandemics in past 100 years, 1918 most severe• H5N1 bird flu could mutate to pandemic strain• Pandemic = severe, worldwide, easily spread• We would have little immunity, no vaccine/meds• We are the first generation that can prepare

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) H5N1

9.10.08

2003-’08387 human cases245 human deaths15 nations

Pandemic Phase 6Pandemic Period

Increased and sustained transmission in humans

Pandemic Phase 5Pandemic Alert Period

Larger localized clusters, better adapted to humans,not highly transmissible

Pandemic Phase 4Pandemic Alert Period

Human spread, small localized clusters,not adapted for rapid spread

Pandemic Phase 3Pandemic Alert Period

Humans infected, no spread or low risk of spread between humans

Phase 2Interpandemic Period

Still in animals, but substantial risk to humans

Phase 1Interpandemic Period

Viruses circulating in animals, low risk to humans

Pandemic Phases

10.2008

What has Vermont been doing?

• OCT 2004 flu vaccine shortage response • JUN 2005 planning tabletop • JAN 2006 state summit • MAR 2006 regional summits• JUL 2006 2-week full-scale exercise• JAN 2007 school closing exercise• MAY 2008 medical surge capacity exercise• JUL 2008 communication training for leaders• ONGOING creating, refining operational plans

Engaged Leaders

Strong Partnerships

Major Events 2001 › 2007

Full Scale Exercises

Local Response

A social marketing campaign by HHS…

• Raise awareness that pandemic flu is possible

• Preparedness is a shared responsibility

• Share info & resources about personal preparedness

• Engage trusted leaders to verify, spread the word …

Strategy and Identity …

• Same message from multiple trusted sources• Pandemic flu is an extreme health emergency• People and families can prepare NOW• It’s practical, not scary• Strategy validated by audience research

Campaign Development …

• Research = health, faith, business, civic, public

• National forum & leadership BLOG

• Partners campaign + Toolkit + Public campaign

• “Collaboratory” Project — 9 sites chosen

Why Burlington as a Collaboratory?• Unique city/rural character

• Vibrant,diverse population

• Many active partners

• Full-scale panflu exercises

• Vaccine shortage response

• Trusted local leaders

• Volunteerism, service

• April 11 kick-off

Seattle, WA

Cache Co, UT

San Diego, CA

Aberdeen, ND/SD

St. Louis, MO

New Philadelphia, OH

Wilmington, DE

Savannah, GA

Burlington, VT

Seattle, WA

Cache Co, UT

San Diego, CA

Aberdeen, ND/SD

St. Louis, MO

New Philadelphia, OH

Wilmington, DE

Savannah, GA

Burlington, VT

Proposed HHS Pandemic Influenza Collaboratory Locations

Burlington Collaboratory Progress • City, CCRPC, Health Dept.• Health, Business, Faith, CIVIC• Lion’s Club leadership• Communication trainings• Multi-ethnic ‘prevent flu’ video• Preparedness Month stories• Get Ready Day news event• Worksite Wellness Conference• “Stock Up” feature on VPR• HealthVermont.gov pages • Viral e-mail campaign next?• Stock up grocery store event?• Home care holiday gift?

How can Lions Take the Lead?• Talk about personal

preparedness with your members, communities.

• Share information through your networks.

• Host events.• Use the Toolkit to talk about

preparedness & help others to know what to do about pandemic flu.

Promote 3 key actions…

ACTION 1: Stop Germs from Spreading…

Wash your hands. Cover your cough.

Stay home when you’re sick.

ACTION 2. Stay informed …

Learn about state & local plans.

Make a personal / family plan.

ACTION 3. Stock up to Stay Home …

Stock food & supplies for up to 2 weeks.

Plan to care for the sick at home.

3 Things to KNOW• Pandemic flu is a world-wide outbreak of a new flu

virus. It would make lots of people sick, and cause many deaths. Experts say it WILL happen.

• If pandemic is severe, you might run out of food, medicine and other things you need. That’s because many of the people who make and sell them will be too sick to work.

• With so many people sick, there won’t be enough doctors, nurses or hospital beds. You might have to take care of yourself or loved ones at home.

3 Things to DO• Make a habit of washing your hands often and well. Cough

or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve — not your hand! Stay away from others when you’re sick. This will help stop germs from spreading.

• Stock up on things such as canned food, bottled water, bathroom items, baby or elder-care needs, home care supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. In a severe pandemic, there will be shortages. Refill prescriptions ASAP.

• Learn about what might happen if pandemic is severe. Plan what you and your family will do if schools are closed, or you can’t go to work.

3 Places to GO to Learn More• HHS & partners website:

www.pandemicflu.gov

• Health Dept. website:www.healthvermont.gov

• Call this toll-free help line:800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)TTY: 888-232-6348