Ohio drafts plan to train EMTs to give flu vaccine

Associated Press - September 6, 2009 4:55 PM ET

CLEVELAND (AP) - The state is developing a program that would allow emergency medical technicians and paramedics to give swine flu shots if needed.

The plan could be the first use of a law enacted after bioterrorism threats following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The emergency workers could administer only swine flu shots, not vaccinations for seasonal flu.

Richard Rucker, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Medical Services board, says local agencies would decide which workers to train to give flu vaccinations in case of an emergency.

Ohio has about 41,000 EMTs and paramedics.

Dr. Carol Cunningham, the state EMS board medical director, is awaiting federal guidance on doses.

She says that's because children and pregnant women are in the at-risk population for the first time in a while.

Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com