SPHN News
Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Program
Monday, 21 September 2009
COMMUNIQUE FOR ALL QUEENSLAND GP’s (#1)
PANDEMIC (H1N1) 2009 VACCINATION PROGRAM
The new Panvax® H1N1 vaccine is about to roll-out to health care workers and vulnerable people in the community to protect those most at risk from severe complications if they contract the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.
The start date of the program has not yet been confirmed by the Commonwealth, however, it is anticipated it will commence as soon as possible.
- Individuals with chronic disease (eg: heart, liver, renal etc)
- Individuals with respiratory disease (eg: asthma, COPD)
- Individuals with immunosupression
- Obese individuals with a body mass inded (BMI) of over 35
- Indigenous Australians
- Pregnant women
- Parents and guardians of children aged between 0-6 months
- Children in special schools
Additionally, anyone who wishes to protect themselves from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection can be offered vaccine.
- Frontline healthcare workers including community and aged care and disability service workers
What we can confirm
· The formulation of Panvax® H1N1 is the same as seasonal influenza vaccine except that it contains antigen from only one strain of influenza and protects against Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.
· The vaccine will be supplied in multi-dose vials (MDVs) and will contain the preservative, thiomersal.
· The vaccine should not be given to children under 10 years of age until later in the program, as clinical trial data for children isn’t yet available. This data is expected in late October or November
· Initial clinical data suggests one 15g dose (0.5ml) will be sufficient for adult vaccination. However GPs should plan in case a second dose does become necessary.
· Interim clinical trial results have been provided to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for evaluation.
What we can’t confirm
· When the vaccine will be registered by the TGA;
· The start date of the program.
What you can do as a GP right now
· Read the information provided by CSL about the vaccine at
· Refer to the Health Emergency website for updated information www.healthemergency.gov.au
Population Unit or 13 HEALTH.
Further information and resources will be disseminated as these become available from the Commonwealth.
Direct any questions regarding the vaccine or the vaccination program to your local Queensland Health
Dr Christine Selvey
State Health Incident Controller
The Commonwealth and all States and Territories have agreed the following groups are to be included in Tier 1 (initialphase) of the vaccination program:
