DSHS: Physicians must register online to receive fall H1N1 vaccine

All Texas physicians who plan to vaccinate against the novel H1N1 flu this fall must register through an online portal hosted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Though the registration portal will likely remain open through the fall, physicians are encouraged to register by Sept. 11, 2009.

To register, go vaccineregistration.questionpro.com. First, physicians fill in basic practice information. Because one of the CDC’s targeted populations to vaccinate are health care personnel, the second section directs physicians to report the number of health care staff in their offices, differentiating between those who have direct patient contact and those who don’t. Third, the form asks physicians to estimate the number of patients they will vaccinate broken down by 13 very specific populations. Fourth, physicians enter the approximate number of seasonal flu vaccinations administered during the 2008-2009 season. Next, physicians report their storage capacity for the initial order, and are asked for shipping and contact information. Finally, the form directs physicians to enter their clinic hours of operation and information on the authorizing physician.

Once physicians complete the registration, they will be given a Pre-Registration ID number. DSHS instructs physicians to print this page and save the ID number for their records. Physicians must use this ID number to make novel H1N1 vaccine orders in the future.

As mentioned previously, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that physicians prioritize the initial vaccinations to the populations most at risk: pregnant women; caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel; all people from 6 months to 24 years of age; and people aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

TAFP will continue to make H1N1 information available through our Web site. Go to www.tafp.org/news for more information.