by David Giambusso/The Star-Ledger
Thursday September 03, 2009, 7:09 PM
TRENTON -- Gov. Jon Corzine announced a plan today to immunize all uninsured New Jersey residents against swine flu -- and possibly to waive the cost for those with insurance -- as health officials get ready for the influenza season.
"There has been a tremendous amount of planning and preparation so that we can respond to any kind of circumstance," Corzine said on the first day of classes at the new Park Street Elementary School in Newark.
Matt Rainey/The Star-LedgerNew Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard, left, Governor Jon S. Corzine, and Education Commissioner Lucille Davy visit the Park Elementary School in Newark today.
The governor was joined in Newark's North Ward by Health Commissioner Heather Howard, Education Commissioner Lucille Davy and Jeffrey Boscamp, chief physician at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, among others, to outline the basics of the plan aimed at New Jersey's 1.3 million uninsured residents, as well as those with minimal insurance, through a federally funded program.
The vaccination drive is expected to begin in mid-to late October and will be geared toward populations that are most vulnerable to the flu, such as those under 24, pregnant mothers and the elderly. Health workers will also be among the first to receive vaccinations.
Full Star-Ledger coverage of the Swine flu and New Jersey
In addition to more than 90 health clinics already operating for low-income residents, counties will be hosting vaccination drives at schools and community halls throughout the state. Anyone who meets the income requirements, including non-U.S. citizens, will be eligible to receive a shot.
The federal government has set aside $5.8 billion for similar vaccination programs throughout the country, according to health officials.
"The federal government is buying all of this and giving this to the state," Howard said. She said the final dollar amount that will be allocated to New Jersey is still unknown.
"Part of the reason we don't know the answer to that question is the vaccine hasn't been approved," she said, adding the state will be seeking reimbursement for the cost of administering the vaccines.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control have been conducting clinical trials throughout the country, and health officials expect an approved vaccine within weeks, officials said today.
Once supplies are shipped to New Jersey, community health centers, county health drives, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies and private doctors will administer the vaccine. Those who have health insurance may also be eligible for free vaccinations, Corzine said, but the details are still being worked out between state negotiators and insurance companies.
State residents have been encouraged to receive normal seasonal flu shots in addition to the swine flu, or H1N1, vaccination which currently costs about $10 in co-payments for those with insurance.
About 500 New Jersey residents have been hospitalized due to swine flu since the outbreak began in April, and 17 residents have died, according to the state Health Department. Officials say the total swine flu cases may number in the thousands, but the state stopped counting all but the serious cases months ago.
Today, Corzine urged against panic as colder weather approaches and said normal flu-prevention measures would be as effective as vaccination in stopping the spread of the disease.
"What we want is people to take the common sense steps that we've heard about washing their hands and staying home when they get sick," the governor said.
Corzine said the state also will be monitoring the spread of the disease in the coming months and will be able to deploy resources where they are most needed.
"If the seriousness of this changes -- if there is a so-called morphing of the H1N1 virus -- we are prepared for more serious steps," he said.
The governor also warned against blanket school closings should outbreaks occur but said each school district would be responsible for its own prevention policies within CDC guidelines.
Boscamp echoed the governor's warnings against panic.
"It doesn't appear to be any more than what we saw in the spring," he said of anticipated outbreaks, adding "we still have to be vigilant."
Will there be enough doses of the H1N1 vaccine?Gov. Jon Corzine and state health officials say everyone seeking a vaccine will be accommodated, but children, pregnant mothers, mothers of infants and the elderly are the most susceptible to swine flu and will be given priority.
How will the state pay for the program?
Shots and supplies will be paid for by the federal government for all uninsured New Jerseyans. The state is negotiating to get free vaccinations for insured residents as well, and to have all administrative costs reimbursed, according to health officials.
How will the health clinics know if people are uninsured?
Clinics throughout the state require proof of income from residents. Generally, individuals or families earning under $30,000 may be eligible for free vaccinations.
How much will the vaccine cost for those who are insured?
If the state cannot negotiate free shots for people with insurance, the standard co-payment is $10. But rates will vary according to the insurance provider.
Where can people go for a swine flu vaccination?
Counties will be holding vaccination drives and locations can be found on the state Health Department's website at http://www.state.nj.us/health/. Click on "Find a Flu Shot" and enter your town. CVS and Walgreens pharmacies also will be administering shots.
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