Massachusetts health authorities have "deputized" dentists, paramedics, and pharmacists to help administer flu shots this fall, according to an article in the Boston Globe.
Anticipating a surge in the number of people wanting flu shots because of fear about contracting the H1N1 flu, the state Public Health Council voted unanimously this week to enlist medical workers not normally involved in flu immunization campaigns. That could add up to 21,000 volunteer dentists, pharmacists, and paramedics, the Globe reported.
Massachusetts Dental Society President David Samuels, D.M.D., told the Globe that it was logical to tap dentists because they are already trained to give injections.
Disease specialists in Massachusetts expect to provide up to 9 million flu shots within the next few months, three times as many as last flu season, according to the Globe.
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