Area Pharmacists Updated on H1N1 Flu Pandemic
A capacity crowd of 100 pharmacists learns more about the virus and their roles and responsibilities during a pandemic
By Patricia Fanning
October 27, 2009
To better prepare pharmacists to assist community residents in an influenza pandemic, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and Montgomery County Public Health Services collaborated in the planning and presentation of a free half-day continuing education program. The training program was funded through a grant to Montgomery County from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This timely program, based on planning begun in October 2008, provided an epidemiological update on H1N1 influenza, discussed pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities in a pandemic, as well as the role of state and local government during an influenza pandemic. Preparedness resources available to the pharmacists were also discussed.
The training program held Oct. 3 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus in Rockville was filled to capacity with 100 pharmacists from Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick counties and the D.C. metro area.
David Knapp, PhD, a professor of pharmaceutical health services research at the School of Pharmacy, welcomed them. “This successful program is an example of how faculty at the School’s satellite campus at USG are collaborating with Montgomery County agencies such as the local health department to increase our community involvement in this part of the state,” commented Dr. Knapp. Ulder J. Tillman, MD, MPH, Montgomery County Health Officer and Chief, Public Health Services, offered the welcome from the county, sharing with the attendees how this collaboration began.
Harold Standiford, MD, MACP, a professor and infectious disease specialist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, discussed previous pandemics and provided a medical and epidemiological update on H1N1. The 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine Priority Groups were discussed. Flu symptoms, treatment, and prevention measures were covered. Panelists and those in attendance shared pandemic flu strategies.
On the topic of antivirals, panelist Matthew Shimoda, PharmD, a 1984 graduate of the School of Pharmacy, spoke of logistics from the perspective of a chain. The drugs, which are prescribed to mitigate flu symptoms, can be closely tracked to be made available when and where they are needed most. “We’ve been pushing this strategy very strongly,” said Shimoda, pharmacy manager and immunization coordinator, SuperFresh Pharmacies.
On the subject of antivirals for children, Catonsville Pharmacy owner Neil Leikach, BSP, RPh, a 1992 graduate of the School of Pharmacy, described his experiences compounding pediatric doses.
A central theme was the expanded role of pharmacists as the most accessible of health care providers. In Maryland, they play an important role in responding to the emerging H1N1 flu pandemic, from offering advice to their customers to being tapped by the state to assist with mass vaccination efforts.
An overview of the role of public health in an influenza pandemic was given by Carol Jordan, MPH, BSN, RN, Montgomery County Public Health Services director of communicable disease, epidemiology and public health emergency planning and response. Donald Taylor, BSP, RPh, president of the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and a 1969 graduate of the School of Pharmacy, presented on the role of state government in a pandemic. Both panelists fielded many questions from participants.
Attendees were coached on devising a personal plan for themselves and their families. Daniel Barnett, MD, MPH, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, suggested they stock up on at least a three-day supply of food and water as well as prescription medicines and basic over-the-counter health and hygiene supplies. Barnett suggested having a two-week supply of items available during the pandemic to reduce the amount of time that people needed to spend in crowded stores.