H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

The Pandemic Flu Kit (the Kit) will assist general practices in preparing for an influenza pandemic. The Kit is designed to support the education and training of practice staff and cover a range of topics including business continuity, infection control, communication, and clinical management. The Kit is aimed at all practice staff and will provide the practice team with the information to develop their own practice plan.

Click here to access.

Pandemic Preparedness Influenza A (H1N1) 09 - Presentation by RACGP

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice

ATAGI advice should be read in conjunction with the CMO letter for the administration of Panvax H1N1 vaccine and latex allergy – click here to access.

The following excerpt is a brief summary found in the advice:

As part of the standard pre-vaccination checklist, immunisation providers should ask if the person to be vaccinated has any severe allergies (Immunisation Handbook 9th edition, page 16). If so, providers should specifically ask about a history of allergic reactions to latex or latex-containing products before deciding on the mode of Panvax® H1N1 vaccine administration.

Further important ATAGI advice: The following web link provides ATAGI guidance on Panvax H1N1 with regard to Thiomersal content and Guillain-Barre Syndrome at:

www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/national-vaccination-program#atagi

Do not hesitate to contact Angela Ouroumis at the Division on Tel. 8480 4606 if you have any questions.
Thank you for your participation in the H1N1 vaccine program.

Preparing your practice

Clinical Audit Tool (CAT) information sheet - click here to access.

Identification of priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine. Developed by general practice network south.

Swine flu strategies for general practices - click here to access.

Information on protocols in practice waiting rooms, use of face masks, questions for patients, household member close contacts, close workplace contacts, etc.

DHS Medical Receptionist Fact Sheet - click here to access.

Community Pharmacies stocking Tamilfu from FREE (state) supply, 11 June 2009 - click here to access.

Clarification regarding Tamiflu access
In the H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Flu) Health Professionals alert – SUSTAIN 7pm, 10 June 2009 it states that the Tamiflu may be accessed from the state supply (free) from a community pharmacy.

It is only designated community pharmacies that are dispensing the state supply.
The attached list is of the current pharmacies that are dispensing state supply of Tamiflu it is suggested that you print this list for easy access.
NDGP will advise of any updates to this list.
Note that the patient must meet the case definition as per the alert and a script written.
Household contacts maybe named on that script or on a letter on practice letterhead.
Don’t forget to indicate dosage: e.g.: in adults and children over 12 years 1bd for cases and 1 daily for contacts, 10 capsules.
Endorse all scripts or letters “meets DHS criteria for free supply” or similar to eliminate confusion as to payment.

DoHA Resources
There are many things which you can do now to prepare your practice for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) has compiled items to assist in preparation. These include:

Developing and implementing a plan.
Developing effective communication channels.
Undertaking business continuity planning.
Enhancing existing health networks.
Reducing the risk of exposure for staff and patients.

Click here to access these DoHA resources.

General practice - what you need to do

The Victorian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) has made available on their website information and resources.

An influenza flu pandemic is a real threat which requires careful planning in the areas of clinical work, infection control and communication. General practice will be in the front line of Victoria’s response.
Provided is an Information Kit and Workplan.

This information kit and workplan is designed to help you develop and implement a pandemic flu plan in your practice. Your plan will need to adapt and change as new evidence comes to hand. While we don’t know when an influenza pandemic will happen, we do know that it will be too late to start planning when the first person with suspected H1N1 human influenza walks into your practice.

Click here to access.

Additional information and resources

DHS now has a webpage dedicated to swine flu on opening www.health.vic.gov.au it is the first item under What’s New or the direct link is: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/swine-influenza - there is information available for both the general public and health professionals.

GP Alert Influenza A (H1N1) Virus - Swine flu

The latest alert from the Chief Health Officer at DHS - Dr John Carnie

CALD factsheets on swine flu

Swine flu information available in languages other than English.

Who bears the cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in general practice?
General Practice should be treating any suspected cases of swine influenza as they would any other infectious disease, so if a suspected case comes into a practice the practice bears the cost of PPE (e.g. as they would for measles). Given the airport security surrounding potential cases at the present time general practice is unlikely to see suspected cases. DHS is looking at who will bear the cost of PPE should this situation change and will communicate this information as soon as it is available.

The RACGP standard covering this is Criterion 5.3.4 - Infection control:

“Our practice manages the risk of cross infection in accordance with the current edition of the RACGP Sterilisation/disinfection guidelines for general practice.”

General practice should also be ensuring that all staff including doctors, nurses, health professional and administrative staff receive their annual influenza vaccine.

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