Via AuburnPub.com: Paterson declares swine flu emergency. Excerpt:
Gov. David Paterson declared a state of emergency, saying a recent rise in swine flu cases has created a "disaster" and that certain provisions of state law needed to be set aside to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.
The executive order Thursday means that far more health care professionals -- including dentists, dental hygienists, podiatrists, pharmacists, midwives and physicians assistants -- will be permitted to administer swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines with only brief training.
The declaration will help avoid overwhelming hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities with swine flu cases, according to Paterson's order.
It also allows health centers in schools, which have been particularly hard hit, to vaccinate children and adults.
