11/20/09

NATIONAL
This week the CDC released the following important information:

Department of Health and Human Services - 2009 H1N1 Summary:

·       Flu activity is already higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons.  Almost all of the flu viruses identified this season so far are 2009 H1N1.

·       All states have placed orders for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and more orders are expected daily.  Vaccine is arriving in thousands of places across the country.  Because the vaccine distribution system varies by state, the vaccine situation on the ground may differ from community to community. 

·       The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is taking longer to produce than manufacturers initially expected.  Scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock to produce this vaccine safely, effectively, and as quickly as the science allows. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through state and local health departments, will continue to make the vaccine available as soon as it comes off the production line.  

·       Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective.

·       In the past, flu pandemics have been characterized by multiple waves.  Scientists and doctors recommend H1N1 vaccination even if flu activity slows, as it could resume later in the season. 

OSHA H1N1 Healthcare Inspections Procedures
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released enforcement procedures for high to very high occupational exposure risk to 2009 H1N1 influenza.  The purpose of the document is to ensure uniform procedures when conducting inspections to minimize H1N1 exposure risk of staff.

New: Updated Guidance for the Use of CSL 2009 H1N1 Monovalent Vaccine
On November 11, 2009, the FDA expanded the approved use of CSL's seasonal and 2009 H1N1 monovalent influenza vaccines to include children aged 6 months and older. Both vaccines had previously been approved only for use in adults, aged 18 years and older.  The immediate affect on the national H1N1 flu vaccination program is that CSL’s pre-filled syringe and multi-dose vial formulations can now be used in a substantially broader range of ages.

Questions and Answers: 2009 H1N1 and Pneumococcal Disease in the News
What is invasive pneumococcal disease?  What does CDC know about invasive pneumococcal disease among people who get 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza?  What is Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs)?

2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers or Personal Assistants
People with certain types of disability have a higher risk of getting flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.  The 2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers or Personal Assistants is now available to the public.

Update: FDA Questions and Answers for Health Care Providers: Renal Dosing and Administration Recommendations for Peramivir IV
Questions and answers for renal dosing and administration for peramivir IV.
Additional information released included CDC guidance updates, fact sheets, questions & answers, brochures and translations on several topics, in addition to: an update for Peramivir IV Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers, information for Pregnant Women Working in Education, Child Care, and Health Care Settings, an update in the international H1N1 situation, vaccine supply status, resources for pharmacists, and questions and answers for health care providers.  To view these and other updates, visit CDC’s “What’s New” section at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/whatsnew.htm

STATE
The services provided by the Florida Flu Information Line (1-877-352-3581) have expanded since August.  Please assure receptionists and others interacting with the public and healthcare providers have updated following information regarding the Florida Flu Information Line.   Services provided include:

• Recorded messages that answer general H1N1 questions in English, Spanish and Creole.  (Available 24/7)
• Operators available to
  • Answer the public's H1N1 questions in English, Spanish and Creole (Available 8 am – 8 pm EST, 7 days a week)
  • Consult with healthcare providers (e.g. how can specimens be shipped, current CDC guidance)   (Available 24/7)
  • Answer public and healthcare providers questions regarding perceived side effects from the H1N1 vaccine  (Available 24/7)

·       The following TTY/FL Relay numbers are available: English 800-955-8771, Spanish 877-955-8773, and Creole 877-955-8707.

As with any health issues, patients should consult with their healthcare provider regarding H1N1 questions.  Healthcare providers have the most comprehensive information regarding their patients' health, and therefore can help their patients make the best health-related decisions.  

Continue to utilize the following resources to obtain the most current, accurate information regarding H1N1 flu:
·       Your local county health department: http://www.floridashealth.com
·         The Florida Department of Health's flu information website: http://www.myflusafety.com and the flu clinic locations page: http://www.myflusafety.com/myfluclinic.htm

Florida-specific disease data may be found on the Department of Health’s, Bureau of Epidemiology Site:  http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_ctrl/epi/swineflu/Reports/reports.htm

Healthcare providers who are interested in providing H1N1 Influenza vaccine can pre-register at http://www.flshots.com/ .