Australia has been in the PROTECT phase of the pandemic influenza response plan since 17 June 2009. The Australian Government has released Panvax®, the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccine for all Australians with an emphasis on the importance of vaccinating those most at risk.
About Panvax®
Panvax® is an inactivated (killed) monovalent vaccine produced by CSL Biotherapies in the same way as the yearly seasonal flu. It is a clear liquid provided in multi dose vials with a latex free rubber bung and contains thiomersal as a preservative. The vaccine must be stored between +2°C and +8°C in your vaccine dedicated refrigerator.
A paediatric formulation of the vaccine will be available at a later date and will be provided in a pre-filled syringe.
Practices will need to ensure that clinical staff are familiar with and competent in the drawing up of doses from multi dose vials.
H1NI Vaccination Information Session October 8 - Presentations:
NEW (23/10/09) A3 Posters and Brochures on the H1N1 Vaccination Program are available via the Resources page of this website.
The Program
As of 30 September 2009, the Pandemic (H1N1) 09 Vaccination Program commenced in Queensland. Due to the short distribution timeframe some providers may not have received the vaccine for the start of the Program.
Practices who responded to a Qld Health request to participate in the vaccination program should receive their vaccinations and associated information from 2 October 2009.
For those GPs who would like to participate please complete and fax the Planning for Pandemic Program Form to the Queensland Health Immunisation Program via fax: 3328 9720 or fax: 3328 9721.
GPs are encouraged to actively promote the vaccination to all people with an emphasis on the importance of vaccinating those within the priority group. The vaccine can be given to people 10 years and over who wish to be vaccinated.
Indemnity and Consent:
Indemnity - The Australian Government has indicated that all medical indemnity insurer organisations have confirmed that they will insure their members if they are involved in the pandemic (H1N1) vaccination program.
Consent - As Panvax® is now a registered vaccine - written consent is no longer required and therefore consent forms are no longer necessary.
GPs (as with all Vaccine Service Providers) need to obtain valid consent before vaccinating, however, this does not need to be written consent - can be verbal consent. The Commonwealth consent form can be used if VSPs prefer but this is not mandatory.
Valid consent needs to be documented as per the guidelines in the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008.
Electronic Templates- consent form and patient information and record for MD and Best Practice.
Adverse Events
If you have significant issues of concern about the program, you can communicate these via email to . Issues reported will be included on an Issues Register which will be provided to Queensland Health’s – State Population Health Emergency Operation Centre to notify them of issues arising in general practice.
Go to General Practice Qld Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Program for further comprehensive information.