Post Disaster Immunizations

Programs that provide immunizations for evacuees displaced by a flood, hurricane, tornado or other severe weather event who have been staying in overcrowded conditions perhaps without access to clean water and functioning sanitation facilities. The major concern for anyone exposed to unsanitary conditions is that they be up to date with tetanus-containing vaccine, because if they are injured (as is common in disaster settings) the injury is likely to be contaminated. In addition, any displaced person living in a crowded group setting should receive influenza, varicella, and MMR vaccines. Immunocompromised persons in these settings should not receive the live virus vaccines MMR and varicella. Public health officials are generally available to work with evacuation center staff regarding administration of other recommended vaccines.