1. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles
Earl Best
Curaçao Emergency Medical Services

2. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles
DISASTERS DON’T EXIST.
“Damage is the result of failure of mankind to appropriately
address significant issues, of failure to plan and of failure to
execute. Inequity in and insufficient prioritization of the use of
financial resources contribute considerably to these failures.”
Earl Best

3. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles
6 Sept : Hurricane Luis - Sint Maarten, Neth. Antilles;
8 Sept.: DOH - Vaccinate travelers to and from SXM and relief workers (DTP- Typhus). Vaccinate all ALM and KLM personnel and pax;
8 – 14 Sept.: PAHO – MOH – Health Inspectorate Holland – LCC – DOH (discussions);
- 23 Sept. : ALM – KLM still vaccinating personnel, cancellation advise not received.

4. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Flood - Tornado – Hurricane – Earthquake – Tsunami – Volcanic activity – Torrential rain
Disruption of community water supplies and sewerage systems with contamination as a consequence;
Interruption of refrigeration;
Outbreak of communicable diseases;
Public and political demand for emergency mass immunization.

5. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles National Immunization Program
DTPP and Hib : 2 – 3 – 4 – 11 months 4 yrs. DTP
MMR: 14 months 9 yrs. MMR
Hep-B: 2 – 4 – 11 months
MenC: 14 months

6. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Immunization Program Police – Fire – Ambulance - Relief workers
Hep – B : 1 – 1 – 5 month
BCG: single dose (areas where prevention fails)
Influenza vaccine: annually with current vaccine
Tetanus toxoid: booster: i.m every 2 yrs / sc every 3 yrs
Yellow fever: when indicated

7. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Mass Immunization
Counterproductive: diversion of limited manpower and other resources from relief tasks;
Gives a false sense of security leading to neglecting basic rules of hygiene and sanitation which are far more important in the case of natural disasters;
Antibodies take time(weeks) to develop, immunization will provide moderate protection;
Adverse vaccine reactions.

8. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Prevention of communicable disease
Wash hands with soap and water :
Before preparing or eating food;
After toilet use;
After handling potentially contaminated articles.

9. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Prevention of communicable disease
Use only bottled or trucked water from safe source;
Use only vigorously boiled water (  10 min.);
Use only appropriately disinfected water, when contamination has occurred or is suspected.

10. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Prevention of communicable disease
Consume only food that is safe to consume and wasn’t
spoiled due to interrupted refrigeration.

11. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Prevention of communicable disease
Have a shelter / refugee camp monitoring system in place with special attention to overcrowding and hygiene.

12. Immunization In Natural Disasters Concepts and Principles Conclusion
Supplying safe drinking water and applying appropriate hygiene measures are the most practical and effective strategies in the prevention of communicable disease after a natural disaster .

13. Thank You.
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