NHS is soliciting volunteer healthcare professionals to receive a non-emergency smallpox vaccination as part of the federal Homeland Security Program. The vaccinations will be offered in late January or early February on a volunteer basis through the Douglas County Health Department to hospital, public health and emergency response personnel.
Approximately 200 doses of vaccine will be distributed to nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, radiology techs, phlebotomists, security, housekeeping and facilities personnel. Due to the intense screening criteria, not all volunteers will qualify to be vaccinated.
“If we had a smallpox patient, this team would care for the patient,” said Sharon Medcalf, bioterrorism education coordinator. “Volunteers who qualify to receive the vaccine would be expected to serve on this response team.”
One-hour forums on the smallpox vaccination will be given on the following dates for those interested in serving on the Hospital Smallpox Response Team:
- Friday, Jan. 10, at noon in Wittson Hall, Room 3034;
- Thursday, Jan. 16, at noon in the Eppley Science Hall; and
- Friday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 a.m. in UMA Room 45110 (surgery conference room).
For more information, including a packet of information for potential volunteers, call Beth Guerrier at 552-2007.