NOTE: This Discussion is closed.

DISCUSSION: The Strategy of the Draft Guidance

COMMENT: Postal workers and shipping prioritization


Submitted by Terry Adirim Active Panelist  on 12/4/07 1:26 PM

The rationale for the prioritization scheme in general is that those with a pandemic response with the highest exposure are prioritzed first (e.g. emergency room personnel). Although postal workers and shipping personnel might have a pandemic response, they are not at the higher risk. Also, those persons who perform functions where training others is not possible (e.g. nuclear plant workers) were prioritized higher than those who performed relatively "unskilled" tasks like driving a truck. Therefore this is why postal workers and shippers were placed in the tier that they were placed. Also, don't forget that there are other pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways to protect themselves (anti-virals, masks, etc).



COMMENT THREAD

VIEW: Outline Full Text COMMENT ORDER: Newest First Oldest First

Classification of Postal and Shipping Sector Personnel

Submitted by Stuart Edick on 12/4/07 06:39 AM

I suggest that:
1. Postal and shipping sector personnel should classified as Level B, Critical Infrastructure (page 7)
2. That postal and shipping sector personnel be classified as Tier 2, Critical Occupations (page 9).
3. That pharmacy workers associated with order pharmacy operations be classified as Level B, Critical Infrastructure (page 7).
4. That pharmacy workers associated with mail order pharmacy operations be classified as Tier 2, Critical Occupations (page 9).

The premise that "burden {for mail and shipping services} is likely to decrease in a pandemic (e.g., less demand for mass transit, postal, and shipping)," fails to account for "must continue" shipments, such as mail order prescriptions, and increases in demand due to activation of COOP Plans.

Failure to change the level and tier for postal and shipping sector and mail order pharmacy workers could result in unnecessary loss of life.

Millions of Americans receive their medical prescriptions through postal and shipping services. Some pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) make it mandatory for their prescribers to use mail order for maintenance drugs used to treat chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.

There are agencies that have to work with paper records in order to continue providing services. During a pandemic the agencies would use postal and shipping services to deliver paper based files to employees telecommuting. Employees would use postal and shipping services to return the paper based files. The use of paper based records is not a failure of the agencies to adopt electronic records, rather it is necessary to provide the service the agency is mandated to provide.

  • More on prioritization of Critical Infrastructure tomorrow

    Submitted by Nicholas Dewar Facilitator  on 12/4/07 06:51 AM

    Stuart, there'll be a discussion about the prioritization of critical infrastructure tomorrow (Wednesday). I hope that you'll be able to participate then too.

  • Postal and Shipping Sectors Need Higher Priority

    Submitted by Lynn Daley on 12/4/07 09:38 AM

    I agree with this comment. In addition to delivering essential supplies (such as pharmaceuticals IAW PBM COOP plans), postal and shipping sector may be required to deliver vaccine to the homebound, this is in addition to the delivery of vaccine/antivirals to PODs.

    • Agreed about postal and shipping folk.

      Submitted by Roy Kamen on 12/4/07 12:51 PM

      agreed. boxes and letters need to move like food and medical supplies need to move

      • Postal workers and shipping prioritization

        Submitted by Terry Adirim Active Panelist  on 12/4/07 01:26 PM

        The rationale for the prioritization scheme in general is that those with a pandemic response with the highest exposure are prioritzed first (e.g. emergency room personnel). Although postal workers and shipping personnel might have a pandemic response, they are not at the higher risk. Also, those persons who perform functions where training others is not possible (e.g. nuclear plant workers) were prioritized higher than those who performed relatively "unskilled" tasks like driving a truck. Therefore this is why postal workers and shippers were placed in the tier that they were placed. Also, don't forget that there are other pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways to protect themselves (anti-virals, masks, etc).

      • There are more needs than just products

        Submitted by Mitchel Rothholz on 12/4/07 02:27 PM

        Patients should have access to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate screening and medication use counseling.