Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Human Swine Influenza)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its global pandemic alert to Phase 6 on 11 June 2009. The move to Phase 6 recognises the continuing spread of the virus around the world but the WHO also acknowledges that at this time Pandemic (H1N1) 09 is a moderate disease. More information about the WHO announcement is available here.
Australian pandemic phase
Australia has developed a new pandemic influenza response phase called PROTECT to manage the outbreak of Pandemic (H1N1) 09.
PROTECT recognises that the infection with H1N1 Influenza 09 is not as severe as originally envisaged. The disease is mild in most cases, severe in some and moderate overall. The overwhelming majority of patients are making a rapid and full recovery.
More information about pandemic phases is available here.
Situation in Western Australia
Pandemic (H1N1) 09 is now widespread in the Western Australian community. The health response is focused on those in the community who may be at risk of severe illness, including pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.
Advice for people with influenza-like symptoms and updates on the situation in WA are available from the Western Australian Department of Health Human Swine Influenza website at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/home/.
LATEST NEWS
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine rollout - update 23 September 2009
The Minister for Health has announced arrangements for the rollout of the human swine flu vaccine (PANVAX) in Western Australia.
The vaccine will be available to all Western Australians 10 years of age and over from Wednesday 30 September 2009. It is hoped that the vaccine will become available to children aged between 6 months and 9 years of age later in the year, once appropriate information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in younger children is available.
Vaccination is voluntary, but everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated.
People at increased risk of severe illness from influenza and people who care for the sick are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
For more information about the vaccination rollout, including priority groups for vaccination and details of how and where to get the vaccine, please see the WA Department of Health’s human swine flu website at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/home/.
Human Swine Influenza - Workplace FAQs - update 24 August 2009
Revised guidance for Western Australian businesses and organisations on managing workplace issues relating to Human Swine Influenza is now available: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/FAQ/index.cfm.
Schools: closures and other measures
Under the PROTECT phase the Department of Health will no longer routinely close schools if students are found to have human swine influenza. However, parents are urged to keep children at home if they are unwell to protect their class mates from illness.
Detailed information for schools, parents and students: Department of Education and Training Swine Flu website http://www.det.wa.edu.au/swineflu/detcms/portal/.
Further information:
Human Influenza Pandemic Planning
The Western Australian Government has plans in place to respond to a human influenza pandemic, and is working cooperatively with all other Australian governments, the community and the private sector to manage the impact of a human influenza pandemic across the State.
This website contains information about planning for an influenza pandemic and what individuals, families, communities, businesses and organisations can do to prepare for and minimise the impact of a pandemic. |