Please see the following attachments and guidelines for the national H1N1 vaccine roll out.

Timelines

• The vaccine will start to be delivered to those who have pre-ordered from TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER. The PROGRAM WILL START ON WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
• See press release from Minister Roxon and DoHA
• The product was approved by the TGA for people 10 years of age and older.

Multi Dose Vial Guidelines

You will find the PDF MDV Guidelines as endorsed by ATAGI. These will also be available via the NSW Health H1N1 Vaccination website shortly.

IMPORTANT NOTE

• CSL tested the MDV and found that using the blunt drawing up needles produced “coring” (bits of bung in the vaccine) and jeopardised the integrity of the vial
• Hence a blunt 19G needle can only be used in the mass clinic setting where all doses are being drawn up and administered
• Otherwise 23G needle should be used to draw up the vaccine for individual doses. The VacPacs contain a long 23G needle that could be used for this purpose
• Panvax® will be distributed in packs (of varying sizes) of either 5mL (10 dose) OR 10mL (18 dose) MDV’s.

Vaccine eligibility

The vaccine is available for anyone who wants it over the age of 10.

Patient information sheet

A patient information sheet will be distributed with the vaccine and be available via the NSW Health H1N1 Vaccination website.

Consent form

This is optional as the vaccine is now TGA approved. If you still wish to use one, here is the Consent form PDF version.

Maternity guidelines

Further information will be available via the NSW Health H1N1 Vaccination website in the near future.

Indemnity

Please find a statement from the AMA for its members about indemnity for the H1N1 vaccination program.

Standing order

There will be no standing order developed. Authorised nurse immunisers do not need a standing order as this vaccine is to be regarded as an influenza vaccine (ie covered off in the Authority) and once the vaccine is licensed a PI (Product Information) will be available and included in all vaccine deliveries.

Indigenous communications

AMSs will receive a tailored poster from DoHA. The vaccine will be heavily marketed through Koori Radio.

Adverse events reporting

In contrast to usual procedures, providers are to be encouraged to report any AEFI of Panvax® directly to ADRAC as soon as possible after the event either by:
–      Electronic reporting
–      Blue Form:
If assistance is required contact your local Public Health Unit (PHU). PHU’s will record serious AEFI information supplied to them onto NDD and undertake any follow up required.

PENS

It’s recommended to write the date of opening onto the MDV; however this cannot be done with “ordinary” pens. CSL has kindly provided AGPN “Panvax® vial friendly” pens. These will be distributed to you via CSGPN as soon as they are received.

Further information

Please contact the Immunisation project office on 8752 4902 for further information.