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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.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Human Swine Influenza)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on 10 August 2010 that the world is in the post-pandemic period. The post-pandemic period does not mean that H1N1 has gone away but it is expected that H1N1 will become a seasonal influenza virus and circulate for some years to come.
The WHO has recommended that health authorities continue to monitor the situation, particularly cases among those groups identified during the pandemic of being at higher risk of severe or fatal illness.
Situation in Western Australia
Influenza activity in Western Australia has returned to low levels following the 2009 winter flu season. Advice and updates on the situation in Western Australia are available from the Western Australian Department of Health Human Swine Influenza website at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/home/.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine
A vaccine for the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is available for adults and children aged 6 months and over. 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 vaccine, see the WA Department of Health’s human swine flu website at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/swine_flu/home/.
Further information:
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