Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu
Human swine (H1N1) influenza information for general practice
19/02/2010
Advice on the Interchangeability of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Vaccines used in Australia and Overseas
It is not advised to mix swine flu vaccine schedules as there are no data (safety or immunogenicity), particularly on mixing a non-adjuvanted with an adjuvanted vaccine or a live attenuated with inactivated vaccine.
18/02/2010H1N1 Influenza Vaccination General Practice Poster and Brochure have been released
The Australian Government has recently released a new brochure and poster for Australian General Practice.
18/02/2010H1N1 Update: Chief Medical Officer letter to GPs (PDF 185Kb)
The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer recently wrote to Australian GPs with an update of the H1N1 epidemic in Australia.
18/01/2010Summary of ATAGI dosage recommendations for pandemic H1N1 2009 and seasonal 2010 influenza vaccination for children aged >6 months to <10 years
Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine is funded for all children and adults through the Pandemic H1N1 (2009) Vaccination Program. Seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) only for children at increased risk of complications from influenza infection as set out in The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Edition) pages 190-191.
18/01/2010Guidelines for immunisation using Multi Dose Vials (MDV) video
This instructional program was developed by the RACGP. It adheres to and should be viewed in conjunction with the guidelines issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation on the use of multidose vials in the delivery of the H1N1 vaccine.
04/12/2009Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine now approved for children 6 months to 9 years of age
The TGA has approved registration of the Australian-made Panvax H1N1 Vaccine Junior and its extension of the indications for Panvax® H1N1 to children from 6 months to 9 years.
03/12/2009Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccination Program - Information for health professionals
The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination program is ongoing. The aim of the program is to provide free vaccine against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza for all members of the community who wish to be vaccinated. Vaccinations started 30 September 2009.
02/11/2009Letter from Chief Medical Officer: Impact of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on pregnant and postpartum women - 3.00pm 2nd November 2009
This letter from the Chief Medical Officer provides information regarding the impact of H1N1 on pregnant and postpartum women. The Chief Medical Officer encourages patients who are pregnant, or who are planning a pregnancy to be vaccinated against pandemic H1N1 2009.
30/10/2009Reporting adverse events following vaccination with Panvax H1N1
The Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) is encouraging medical practitioners to report any adverse events associated with the H1N1 pandemic vaccine to the TGA. Information on the process for reporting can be found on the TGA website.
13/10/2009Statement from Department of Health and Ageing on Medicare usage for provision of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccination services provided by Medical Practitioners and Practice Nurses/Registered Aboriginal Health Worker (PDF 28Kb)
Statement has been provided by the Department of Health and Ageing on Medicare usage for provision of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
12/10/2009Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidance on use of latex-containing 1 mL syringes from pandemic vaccination packs
The Australian Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement on the guidance of using syringes that contain latex in the delivery of PanVax H1N1 vaccination to patients. This information is supported by the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop in issuing a letter of advice to GPs.
12/10/2009ATAGI advice regarding influenza, influenza vaccines and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (PDF 91Kb)
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released information in relation to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine is not expected to result in any increased risk of GBS.
07/10/2009Important information for GPs and practice staff from Professor Jim Bishop, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer
A short term adverse reaction has occurred at the time of vaccination in a person with an allergy to latex. However, the true cause of this event has not been determined and is currently being investigated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) through their normal process.
05/10/2009Annex to the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (PDF 166KB)
The PROTECT phase sits within the framework of the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (AHMPPI) and sits beside CONTAIN and SUSTAIN phase. The PROTECT phase annex has been updated to reflect the response to H1N1 2009 Pandemic.
05/10/2009Pandemic (H1n1) 2009 Influenza Vaccine Consent Form (PDF 140KB)
The Commonwealth has developed a consent form that may be used in the delivery of the H1N1 PanVax immunisation. Valid consent is an important component of any vaccination program. Consent should be obtained before each vaccination. Consent may be given either in writing or verbally, but it must meet the criteria for valid consent. Review Section 1.3.3 page 12 of the Australian Immunisation Handbook, 9th Edition
01/10/2009Summary for General Practice: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination program (PDF 46KB)
The rollout of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination program will ensure that people in specified priority groups are offered the vaccine, however, vaccination will not be restricted to those groups alone. Vaccination of friends, family, and carers of vulnerable people, or anyone who wishes to protect themselves from pandemic influenza is also encouraged.
30/09/2009Letter from Minister Nicola Roxon to the profession (PDF 29KB)
Minister Roxon recognises the critical role that general practitioners have had in the management of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
29/09/2009Poster to demonstrate the use of a multi dose vial (MDV) for H1N1 immunisation program (PDF 1MB)
The RACGP has worked with the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) to develop a poster to help practices when using multi dose vials in the administration of the H1N1 vaccine. This poster will be distributed by the Divisions of General Practice network.
25/09/2009Checklist for general practice: H1N1 vaccine immunisation program (PDF 62Kb)
This checklist has been developed by the RACGP to assist practices prepare their immunisation program.
24/09/2009ATAGI advice regarding the use of influenza vaccines containing thiomersal
To expedite the rapid rollout of a targeted vaccine in response to the current outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) influenza, the Australian Government has purchased pandemic (H1N1) influenza presented in multi-dose vials.
22/09/2009Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccination Program - Information for Health Professionals (PDF) 164Kb
This fact sheet includes the latest information on the vaccination program. Vaccinations are scheduled to commence 30 September 2009.
22/09/2009Letter to General Practitioners from the Chief Medical Officer (PDF) 78Kb
This letter is to update General Practitioners on Australia's response to the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and the national rollout of a new specific vaccine to protect the Australian community.
21/09/2009Guidelines for the use of multi-dose vials (MDVs) PDF 852KB
The Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine will be distributed as a multi-dose vial (MDV). MDVs are not in common use in general practice and so it is necessary to develop guidelines to ensure the safe delivery of this vaccine.
18/09/2009Priority groups for pandemic (H1N1) vaccine program has been released
The Australian Chief Medical Officer and State and Territory Chief Health Officers have released a position statement that details the priority groups for the soon to be released H1N1 vaccine program. The vaccination program will be focused on vaccinating certain groups at higher risk of exposure and those vulnerable to more severe outcomes. While emphasis will be on targeting these priority groups, the opportunistic vaccination of friends, family, and carers of vulnerable people or anyone who wishes to protect themselves from pandemic influenza is also encouraged.
18/09/2009TGA green lights pandemic flu vaccine
Australia’s independent medicines' regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), today announced it will register the CSL pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine. This decision paves the way for a national vaccination program to start later this month.
18/09/2009Australia shares vaccine
Australia is today joining a group of nations, led by President Obama, in announcing a commitment to support the rollout of H1N1 vaccine to needy groups in developing countries.
14/08/2009Tamiflu Stock Update
Unprecedented world-wide demand for Tamiflu suspension for children has impacted on the availability of supplies of paediatric suspension in Australia until further notice. Roche have supplied information for general practitioners on the prescribing of Tamiflu capsules and mixing the powder with sweetened food products.
14/08/2009Influenza in Children: The Facts
The Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) has developed a fact sheet that details influenza management in children. This fact sheet reinforces that influenza in children has significant morbidity and there are benefits gained for seasonal influenza vaccination in this age group.
03/08/2009Clinical Management of Influenza A H1N1 2009 (swine flu) (PDF 175KB)
The Commonwealth has produced a resource to help in the clinical management of Influenza A H1N1 2009 (swine flu). This resource needs to be read in conjunction with current advice on the diagnosis of this infection, as well as resources available concerning the current pandemic focus of investigation, treatment and public health measures
17/07/2009Your opinion and experience of Influenza A H1N1 09 (swine flu)
The RACGP is interested in receiving feedback from GPs and their practice teams regarding their experiences in responding to this pandemic. The RACGP regards this information as useful in developing ongoing resources for general practice. This information will support the College in its ongoing communication with governments and health departments at all levels.
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