First in Line

Jason Whitely reports

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• LINK: City of Mansfield
• LINK: Texas H1N1 vaccine priority groups
• LINK: WFAA Flu Information Center

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MANSFIELD — The plan to distribute H1N1 vaccine to residents in this community that straddles Tarrant County's southern border is unlike any other. Not only are first responders getting it, but every city employee is, too — including librarians, city engineers, even clerks who accept utility payments.

"Everything is important," reasoned Tom Legler, Mansfield's Emergency Management Coordinator. "Even a meter reader might be pulled into something else if there's another disaster or another emergency."

Mansfield's own emergency plan authorizes every city employee to be offered the vaccine, and the state approved it.

Most government agencies, however, follow federal guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that besides first responders, pregnant women, caregivers and higher risk people like children get vaccinated first — not healthy individuals such as city employees.

"Our citizens expect those employees to be on the job doing their job when they want them, so we believe making sure those employees are there for the citizens is important," said Brenda Willis, Mansfield spokeswoman.

Mansfield had a couple of H1N1 cases at schools last spring, but no deaths.

It's uncertain how many — if any — other cities have similar vaccine distribution plans. But with a smaller staff of 475, Mansfield worries it wouldn't take many sick workers to jeopardize city services.

Legler estimated 15 percent of city staff — including first responders — have declined the vaccine.

Willis said Mansfield's remaining doses would go to the city's at-risk individuals.

It's uncertain when Mansfield's remaining doses will be sent.

E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com