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. 2007 Jun 12;84(4):615–631. doi: 10.1007/s11524-007-9197-z

TABLE 3.

Challenges faced in general and HTR populations with various approaches to vaccinating during a pandemic situationa

Objective Challenges in the general population Additional challenges in HTR populations
At the individual level
Alert target populations to the need to be vaccinated Identification and location of individuals at risk
Mobilize mass public vaccination programs quickly Large numbers of people to be vaccinated
Rumors can lead to widespread fears out of proportion to actual risk
At the provider level
Expand the provider pool Long wait times at peak hours
Need for mechanisms to manage adverse events
Learning curve while programs ramp up
Maintain documentation Lack of records under crisis conditions Low priority of documentation in crisis response situations
Simplify vaccine administration protocols Need for documentation and regulation Conservative, cautious bureaucracies
At the structural level
Assure adequate vaccine supply Annual domestic influenza vaccine capacity far below national need in a pandemic
Prioritize population segments Desire of first-responders to protect family members Resource allocation likely to favor easy-to-reach populations
Implement an information dissemination plan Communication under crisis conditions By definition, hard to reach
Plan for a Federal distribution program Conflict of need to stockpile vs. competing seasonal needs
Test the plan under simulated conditions Time lag in “ramp up” of vaccine supply
Select vaccine distribution points before the crisis Hospitals resistant to lines of command external to their system Points of distribution likely to favor easy-to-reach masses

aChallenges outlined for the general population are not meant to be fully comprehensive and may also be applicable to HTR populations.

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