The Ledger-Transcript recently provided a list of questions to officials at Monadnock Community Hospital relating to vaccine updates, local policies, emergency plans
and where residents can find more information. Here are their answers, as of Nov. 3.

When will the H1N1 vaccine arrive to Monadnock Community Hospital?
Monadnock Community Hospital has received a limited number of doses of the vaccine.

Is MCH responsible for all vaccinations in our region?
No. The vaccine we receive is specifically allocated for our employees, regional Emergency Medical services, Monadnock OB/GYN and our primary care offices which include: Antrim Medical Group, Jaffrey Family Medicine, Rindge Family Practice, New Ipswich Family Practice, Monadnock Family Practice, Monadnock Internists, Peterborough Internal Medicine and Monadnock Pediatrics.

Who is considered most at risk?
During the current phase of distribution per the state guidelines, the following are considered high risk to receive the H1N1 vaccine at this time: Health care and emergency medical personnel with direct patient contact, pregnant women, anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age with an underlying medical condition.

Who, so far, has been vaccinated?
With the limited number of vaccine doses we have received, we have been able to vaccinate some of our high-risk healthcare workers as well as some pediatric and obstetric patients. We are also offering the vaccine to Emergency Medical Service providers in the region.

Once more doses arrive, who will be the first in line and how will it be determined who will receive those vaccinations?
We will continue to follow the state of New Hampshire guidelines so those who are considered high-risk populations will receive first priority for their vaccinations.

Where will vaccinations be administered, at the hospital, through clinics or through primary care physician offices?
All of the above. Although the general public should be aware that regular clinics will not occur until the vaccine is opened to public administration following coverage of at-risk populations.

How much will a vaccine cost, and will it be covered by most medical plans?
In some cases, there may be an administration fee. The vaccine itself is being provided free of charge and is covered by all medical plans.

I’m pregnant or my child is considered at high risk for the flu. How can I go about
getting a vaccination?
People who believe they meet the definitions for “at-risk” populations should call their primary care providers. Provider offices will maintain your contact information and follow up as vaccine supplies become increasingly available.

Does the hospital have an emergency plan in place if the event of a regional H1N1
outbreak?
Following federal guidelines, MCH participates in regular contingency planning and drills for emergency and disaster scenarios. The H1N1 influenza is an example of a scenario we regularly plan for.

Who determines how much vaccine arrives in the Monadnock region?
The state of New Hampshire makes that decision.

How much notice does Monadnock Community Hospital receive before new doses arrive?
Literally, none.

Has MCH seen a significant rise in flu cases this fall, and if so, has it hit any towns
hardest? How many H1N1 cases have been treated at the hospital or through hospital-affiliated physicians?
We’ve seen a slight rise. Regional and town tracking is conducted by the state. The hospitals provide data to the federal and state of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for patients admitted with pneumonia, influenza-like symptoms or fever.

Have there been any deaths associated with H1N1 in the Monadnock region?
Unknown.

How will residents be notified when vaccine supplies become available?
The best source for vaccination availability is your primary care provider. Those interested in being informed of vaccine arrival should contact their provider.

Does MCH currently have Tamiflu on hand to treat H1N1? If so, how will it be
determined who receives those doses?
We have received very limited doses of Tamiflu. A strict criterion for treatment protocols with Tamiflu has been determined by the state of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Where can residents receive more information?
Residents in New Hampshire can contact 2-1-1 N.H. toll-free by dialing 2-1-1 in state or 1-866-444-4211 from out of state. 2-1-1 N.H. is an initiative led by United Way of New Hampshire, an organization that represents the 10 United Ways across the state, in partnership with the state of New Hampshire, Citizens Bank Foundation, the N.H. Charitable Foundation, Exeter Hospital and Public Service of New Hampshire.
On the dates below, MCH is hosting the N.H. West Chapter of the American Red Cross as it presents “Preparing Small Business Workplaces for Pandemic Flu” seminars:
Nov. 18: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Bond Wellness Center
Nov. 20: 8-10 a.m. in Conference Room 5 at MCH
During the course of the seminar participants will learn: What to expect during a flu pandemic; The difference between seasonal flu and pandemic flu; How the influenza virus is spread and steps to reduce its spread in the workplace; What questions to ask and planning information to consider regarding workplace policies, practices and protocols related to a flu pandemic.