H1N1 Screening Part of New Protocol at Hunterdon Medical Center

Pictured: Right to left – Bruce DeBacco, Greeter at Hunterdon Medical Center screens visitors for H1N1 symptoms before entering the hospital.   Mr. DeBacco gives Comedian, Joe Piscopo his badge to show he was screened. 

Published October 30, 2009

Due to an increase of H1N1 cases in the community, On October 29th Hunterdon Medical Center began screening visitors entering the hospital for H1N1 symptoms and implemented temporary visitation restrictions to protect the health of hospitalized patients, staff and volunteers.  These restrictions will be in place for the duration of the H1N1 pandemic.

• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed to visit patients at Hunterdon Medical Center.
• Between 8 AM and 8 PM, all visitors and outpatients coming into the facility will be screened for flu-like symptoms; visitors who are ill will not be allowed to visit patients.
• People coming to the hospital for outpatient testing who have flu-like symptoms will be given a mask to wear.  This mask must be worn at all times while at Hunterdon Medical Center.  Visitors entering the building who have no symptoms will be given a badge to wear during their visit to alert staff he or she has been screened. 

“We recognize this screening may cause our patients and visitors some inconvenience and apologize to them should they experience any however, these steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of our patients,” explained Robert Wise, President and CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare.  Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, fatigue, chills, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches and at times diarrhea.  Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

Everyone will eventually be able to be vaccinated.  The Federal government is providing this vaccine at no charge, though an administration fee will be charged at physician offices.  Production of seasonal vaccine was interrupted in order to manufacture the H1N1 vaccine, so be patient and watch for information on its availability.  Most physicians have ordered vaccine and the Hunterdon County Department of Health will also hold clinics for certain populations so it can be distributed as quickly and conveniently as possible.