News and Resources
General Updates
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Manufacturer Voluntarily Recalls Doses
The Tennessee Department of Health is working to notify health care providers of a nationwide voluntary non-safety recall of 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., is recalling four lots of H1N1 vaccine in 0.25 ml pre-filled syringes designed for use in children ages 6 to 35 months. These lots passed all tests for potency and purity when they were distributed, but routine follow-up tests after distribution found that levels of antigen, the active ingredient, were slightly lower than the level specified on the label. The recall is not related to any safety or effectiveness concerns. Read the full story.
BCBST Sends H1N1 High-Risk Patient List to Physicians
As part of a new program to help doctors with H1N1 prevention education and outreach, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is sending a list of patients who may be at high risk for H1N1 to each network physician. Read more.
TN Health Commissioner's Statement on Pres. Obama's National Emergency Declaration
State Health Commissioner Susan Cooper issued this statement on the President's declaration of a National Emergency for H1N1
Flu Information Line Answers General Questions
The Tennessee Department of Health has established a free Flu Information Line for all Tennessee residents. Hotline operators are equipped to answer frequently asked questions and provide general information about the H1N1 or seasonal flu, or refer calls to the appropriate sources for additional information. The number is 1-877-252-3432. Information is readily provided in English and assistance in other languages is also available. Quick access to information and advice are available to students and parents, family care givers, individuals at high risk for complications from the flu, employers, health care providers and others.
President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for H1N1 Flu -
Section 1135 of the Social Security Act [42 USC §1320b–5] permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities in response to emergencies.
Tennessee Receiving, Administering H1N1 Vaccine
H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are available and being administered across the state. Nationwide distribution began on September 30, 2009 to those areas and populations that were considered at high risk for getting the flu such as healthcare workers, pregnant women and young children. Initial quantities in Tennessee were administered primarily to healthcare workers and have expanded to include other populations as supplies have increased. As of October 20, 2009, more than 33,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been administered in Tennessee. This information will be updated and reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly.
For more information: http://pandemicflu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/index.html
CDC Confirms Flu Vaccine Safety
Myths and misinformation about vaccine safety can be the cause of confusion and concern for those trying to make sound decisions about flu vaccination. Getting vaccinated is the best defense against seasonal and H1N1 flu. Public health organizations such as the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health have reassured the public, noting that the H1N1 vaccine is made in the very same way by the same manufacturers as seasonal flu vaccine. Get the truth about flu vaccine.
For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm
RSS Feeds, E-Mail, Web Update
Sign up for an RSS feed from flu.gov.
E-mail updates: Go to http://flu.gov/ and at the bottom of the page under "Stay Informed" click on "Email Updates."
Update your contact information to receive H1N1 and Public Health Alerts from the TN Department of Health.
The Flu Vaccine Locator from the State Department of Health offers a listing of upcoming H1N1 flu clinics and availability. Check the site regularly for updated information.
The Flu Information Line answers general questions for your patients.
FAQs
top Q: What is my liability should a patient have an adverse reaction to the H1N1 vaccine?
A: The H1N1 is covered under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. PREP is a federal law that can provide tort liability immunity (except for willful misconduct) to individuals and organizations. Additional information on the Act may be found on the flu.gov web site.
Q: How shoud the employees in a physician's office be protected during the flu season?
A: If a workplace requires workers to have contact with people who are known or suspected to be infected with the pandemic virus, there are important practices to reduce the risk of infection and to protect your workers. An OSHA fact sheet on what to do to protect workers is available by clicking here.
Videos
Attend H1N1 Webinar Broadcast from AMA Interim Meeting
Is your office becoming inundated with influenza patients? Learn the most up-to-date, clinical guidelines for management of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, including vaccination guidance and patient triage, as part of "Update on H1N1: What every physician needs to know," an AMA webinar scheduled to take place on Monday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. CST.
Hosted by the AMA in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the webinar will be broadcast live from the Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Houston and is open free of charge to 2,000 AMA members.
Anthony Fiore, MD, a medical epidemiologist and captain with the CDC's Influenza Division, will discuss vaccination guidance. Michael Bell, MD, associate director for infection control in the CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, will discuss triaging patients and infection control. AMA Board of Trustees member Mary Anne McCaffree, MD, will moderate the session.
Register early to reserve your spot.
The AMA's H1N1 website is a resource for the latest news and developments on the disease, including a new video on who should get the vaccine.
The CDC YouTube channel includes videos on H1N1 vaccine questions, H1N1 FAQs, H1N1 symptoms and how to prevent the spread. To access all of these videos for free, go to http://www.youtube.com/cdcstreaminghealth.
October 24, 2009
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