News & Events

Sept 23 09 H1N1 DPH Perinatal Advisory Committee Update on Antiviral Guidance for Obstetric Health Care Providers

Highlights

Upcoming Guidance, Publications, MMWRs

  • HHS document "H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Faith-based and Neighborhood Organizations" tentative release date is 9/22. A Companion Toolkit is also being produced.
  • Interim Guidance for Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2009-2010 Influenza Season is in clearance.
  • Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season is being updated and is currently in clearance.
  • Interim Guidance for Screening for Influenza by State and Local Health Departments, Hospitals, and Clinicians is currently in clearance.This document provides interim guidance for state and local health departments, hospitals, and clinicians participating in surveillance activities regarding which patients to evaluate for possible influenza virus infection.  This updated guidance will replace Interim Guidance for Screening for Novel Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) by State and Local Health Departments, Hospitals, and Clinicians in Regions with Few or no Reported Cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) on the CDC 2009 H1N1 website dated May 1, 2009 11:15 PM ET.
  • Updated plain language version of What to Do If You Get Sick has been posted. It is live on the seasonal influenza site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm and on the 2009 H1N1 page at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm.
  • CDC’s "Take 3 Steps to Fight the Flu" brochure has been translated into Spanish and posted at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/print.htm.

Vaccine

  • CDC anticipates Project Areas will be able to place their first orders for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. At that time, CDC expects up to 3 million doses of LAIV to be available.  Some injectable vaccine in 15 microgram pre-filled syringes licensed for use in children age 4 years and up may also be available for ordering at that time.
  • During the first two weeks in October 2009, CDC anticipates Project Areas will be able to place orders for 15 microgram pre-filled syringes licensed for use in children age 4 and older, multidose vials, and as well as additional LAIV.
  • CDC anticipates additional information on vaccine amounts will be distributed to the Implementation leads soon.

Stakeholder Calls/Meetings/Webcasts/Resources           

  • The Division of State and Local Readiness has finished analyzing PHER gap assessment data reported by the 54 awardees (50 states, NYC, LAC, CHI, and D.C.) and have identified a number of strengths and gaps. The findings from this gap assessment will be shared shortly with CDC’s 2009 H1N1 task forces to enhance targeted technical assistance to awardees and to better coordinate response activities at all levels of government.
  • The Department of Education has issued guidance to help prepare state educational agencies, local educational agencies, schools and postsecondary educational institutions in the event of an influenza outbreak, including 2009 H1N1 during the 2009-2010 school year.  In general, this document discusses waivers (and other forms of relief) from federal education requirements that may provide operational flexibility necessary to efficiently close schools and otherwise respond to the administrative challenges presented by an influenza outbreak such as prolonged school closures, excessive absenteeism, or other disruptions in the regular delivery of educational services to students for a prolonged period of time.  This document can be found at http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/flexibility-and-waivers.doc
  • Three release/launch conference calls related to the HHS document "H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Faith-based and Neighborhood Organizations" will take place on September 24, 2009.
    • (1) State health emergency preparedness directors, state FEMA directors, liaisons from states to the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, ASTHO and FEMA
    • (2) NACCHO representatives and mayor and county commissioner faith-based liaisons
    • (3) Faith and community leaders/organizations from around the country

A research meeting will be hosted by CDC’s Community Mitigation Task Force September 29-30, 2009 to: (1) describe research work done or research in-progress; and (2) develop thinking about research gaps in community mitigation measures (school closures, handwashing, etc).  We particularly would like to invite interested participants from state and local health departments who can share their experience concerning gaps in our knowledge base concerning community-based mitigations via non-pharmaceutical interventions.  Some funds are available for travel to Atlanta for this 2-day meeting.  Please direct questions and/or participant recommendations to Dr. Richard Schieber, Deputy Community Measures Task Force at 404-663-0553 or at rbs4@cdc.gov

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