BANGOR – Since approximately April of this year I have been working with a newly formed group called the Bangor Regional Influenza Coalition. The coalition was created to address some of the issues highlighted by last year’s influenza vaccine shortage.

The coalition was formed as a proactive step to address issues such as distribution and delivery. The city of Bangor health department teamed up with community partners who either provided vaccine or were involved in the administration of vaccine in the area.

We have been meeting for several months in an effort to create a template for distribution of vaccine in a manner unique to this community.

Coalition members include The Acadia Hospital, Affiliated Pharmacy Services, Bangor Area Visiting Nurses, Community Health and Counseling Services, the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Miller Drug, Husson College, Orono Nursing Service, University of Maine School of Nursing, the Maine Primary Care Association, the Air National Guard, Bureau of Health and Bureau of Health Regional Epidemiologist.

The group has been meeting to plan distribution of vaccine in the region and to identify gaps in vaccine delivery. The goal is to distribute influenza vaccine safely and efficiently, and to decrease or eliminate waste.

It is hoped that the coalition can create a template for delivery of any type of vaccine or medication so that, in the event of another shortage or community crisis, the coalition will be prepared to respond.

I believe that when community members go to one of the coalition clinics, they will not really notice a difference in the appearance of the clinic. My hope is that they will know the community is working behind the scenes to improve the delivery of influenza vaccine.

Coalition clinics will be held 9 a.m.-1p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, and 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St.

For more information call Bangor Region Influenza Coalition chairman, Patty Hamilton, at 992-4550.

Patty Hamilton is the director of public health nursing for the city of Bangor.