Skilled health care providers will be extremely important during an influenza pandemic.
They will provide care and treat patients with pandemic influenza, support families during anxious times and maintain other essential health services.
In this section:
H1N1 Vaccine rollout (29 September)
A new vaccine called Panvax H1N1 has been developed to protect people from H1N1 Influenza - or Swine Flu. It has been tested and registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. ACT Health is participating in the Panvax vaccination program being coordinated by the Australian Government.
Jurisdictions have agreed to begin roll-out of the vaccine program on 30 September. See this information for health professionals administering the new vaccine.
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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - Specimen collection (ACT Pathology)
Specimen collection should occur in appropriate settings in hospitals doctors' surgeries and approved pathology collection centres.
Latest advice (Australian Government)
The link Latest advice for health professionals includes the following information:
- Clinical information
- Testing
- Case management
- Contact management
- Risk assessment
- Infection control guidelines
- Questions and answers
- Recommended dose of Tamiflu
Primary care providers
Primary care workers - such as general practitioners and practice nurses, Aboriginal health workers, paramedics and other carers will play an essential role in a pandemic. Their role will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may vary from location to location.
However, their role may include educating the public about the risks associated with a pandemic, and basic infection control practices that can be implemented by everyone to reduce the spread of infection.
Primary care providers will be important for surveillance, and might be the first to identify and report cases of pandemic influenza to public health authorities. Other roles during a pandemic may include:
- Maintaining life saving non-influenza services
- Treating patients with pandemic influenza
- Supporting families during anxious times
- Providing care in the home setting (if appropriate)
- Providing care in new flu clinics and/or other influenza specific service.
Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants
Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants will also educate the public about pandemic risks. They will advise on over-the-counter products for infection control and symptomatic relief, and will dispense prescribed medications.
The Department of Health and Ageing (Australian Government is consulting with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to discuss in more detail the role pharmacists will play.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, please contact (02) 6205 2155 or if you are calling after hours visit Communicable Disease Control.
