Pandemic Planning

OVERVIEW

An influenza pandemic is an epidemic of an influenza virus that spreads on a worldwide scale and infects a large proportion of the human population. In contrast to the regular seasonal epidemics of influenza, these pandemics occur irregularly. They occur when a new strain of the influenza virus is transmitted to humans from another animal species. These novel strains are unaffected by any immunity people may have to older strains of human influenza and can therefore spread extremely rapidly and infect very large numbers of people.

The outbreak of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza), has highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness. "Evidence shows that physical barriers, especially hand washing, the wearing of masks, and utilising isolation of potentially infected people, are effective in preventing the spread of respiratory virus infections" (RACGP Pandemic Flu Kit, 2008).

The following information is provided to assist practices in managing the current H1N1 Influenza 09 Swine Flu outbreak.

Useful Links

Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza - Health Emergency Website (DoHA website)

This Australian Government Health Emergency website keeps you up-to-date with important information about pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza outbreaks in Australia.

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (NSW Health website)

This NSW Health website explains how you can limit the spread of influenza, as well care for someone who does get sick. Up-to-date information.

Roster Billing and Centralized Billing for Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations

This article published by Medicare Learning Network has information for physicians, providers and suppliers submitting claims for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations

Resources

Document Name Document Type Document Size Download
Advice on use of pandemic & seasonal influenza vaccines in children (current 26/08/10) PDF Document This pdf is 160kb Download
Seasonal Influenza Vacination 2010 PDF Document This pdf is 362kb Download
NCIRS Factsheet : Health Care Workers and the Pandemic Influenza Vaccine (uploaded 16/02/10) PDF Document This pdf is 171kb Download
NCIRS Factsheet : Pandemic influenza vaccine for children with chronic conditions (uploaded 16/2/10) PDF Document This pdf is 146kb Download
NCIRS Factsheet : Pandemic influenza vaccine after discharge from hospital (uploaded 16/02/10) PDF Document This pdf is 147kb Download
NCIRS Factsheet :  Pregnancy and pandemic influenza vaccination (uploaded 16/02/10) PDF Document This pdf is 125kb Download
Pandemic Planning - Vaccination Program Summary for General Practice (uploaded 9/12/09) PDF Document This pdf is 31kb Download
Pandemic Planning - Tamiflu Patient Information Sheet (uploaded 29/6/09) PDF Document This pdf is 124kb Download
Pandemic Planning - NSW Health Treatment Record Form (uploaded 22/6/09) PDF Document This pdf is 108kb Download
Pandemic Planning - NSW Health Protect Phase Algorithm (uploaded 22/6/09) PDF Document This pdf is 68kb Download
Pandemic Planning - NSW Health Vaccine Order Form (uploaded 22/6/09) PDF Document This pdf is 116kb Download
Pandemic Planning - Medical and Scientific Data on H1N1 Influenza (uploaded 22/6/09) PDF Document This pdf is 123kb Download