Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccination information for clinicians
- Vaccine and vaccination pack order forms
- ATAGI advice
- Training presentations
Pandemic influenza vaccine summary
- Panvax® H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine (CSL) has been developed to protect people against the pandemic influenza virus.
- It has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the product information sheet is available.
- In NSW, most people will receive their vaccination from their general practitioner or Aboriginal Medical Service. The NSW public sector healthcare system will vaccinate public sector healthcare workers and opportunistically vaccinate some patient groups (eg on discharge from hospital).
- The vaccine is free through the public and private systems. The vaccine will not be available on the PBS or via private script.
Seasonal influenza vaccine information summary
- Updated 1 June 2010: Important information about the seasonal influenza vaccine is available from the NSW Health Immunisation Unit's webpage
- The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends that anyone who wishes to protect themselves against the circulating influenza strains in the Southern Hemisphere should be vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine.
- In 2010, additional people are eligible for free seasonal influenza vaccine. More information is available here.
- Seasonal influenza vaccine is also available on a private prescription, for those ineligible for the national program.
- For people who are unable to access seasonal influenza vaccine, Panvax® remains a reasonable alternative.
- For adults and children ten years and older there is no recommended dose internal between Panvax® and seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Children 6 months to under ten years of age who have been previously vaccinated with Panvax® should allow one month before receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine.
- The NSW Health Immunisation Unit has additional information about the seasonal influenza vaccine.
It is especially important that people at increased risk of severe illness from influenza, and those who care for them, are vaccinated.
Panvax® vaccine info
- The vaccine will be distributed in packs of 5mL (10 doses) and 10mL (18-20 doses multi-dose vials containing thiomersal as a preservative.
- ATAGI has revised its recommended clinical protocols for the administration of Panvax®.
- A new needle and syringe must be used for each patient. Used drawing up and injection needles must be discarded immediately and not reinserted into a multi-dose vial.
- Once drawn up, a syringe must be discarded at the end of the session or up to a maximum interval of 4 hours after the vaccine has been drawn up.
- The vial must be discarded within 24 hours of opening.
- Panvax (®) is manufactured by CSL Limited. Product Information is available here.
| Dosage | Number of doses | Presentation | |
| Children aged 6 months to less than 3 years | 7.5 mcg (0.25mL) | 2 doses at least 28 days apart *(see 'Vaccinating Children' for more information) | Panvax® (multi-dose vial) |
| Children aged 3 to less than 10 years | 15 mcg (0.5mL) | 2 doses at least 28 days apart *(see 'Vaccinating Children' for more information) | Panvax® (multi-dose vial) |
| People aged 10 years and over | 15 mcg (0.5mL) | 1 | Panvax® (multi-dose vial) |
Vaccinating children
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the use of Panvax® in children less than ten years of age on 3 December 2009.
The Australian Government has advised that remaining stock of Panvax® Junior should now be considered expired. There are no unexpected safety or efficacy concerns with previous administration of Panvax® Junior. ATAGI advice is available. There is more information on the Immunisation Unit's webpage.
The Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing has prepared answers to frequently asked questions about vaccinating children against pandemic influenza.
Vaccinating pregnant women
- ATAGI has recommended that pregnant women are vaccinated against influenza. The ATAGI statement is available here.
- Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Pregnant women who have already received Panvax® are still able to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Click here for journal articles about the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy.
Contraindications
The vaccine is not appropriate for people who have:
- A severe allergy to eggs
- Anaphylaxis following any vaccine component
- Anaphylaxis following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.
National VacPac syringes contain latex. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has released advice on the use of latex containing syringes. This advice is available here. A letter from the Chief Medical Officer on this issue is available here.
Adverse event reporting
Clinicians should report all adverse events following administration of the pandemic influenza vaccine directly to the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC). This can be done electronically using the 'Blue Card' , to assist with timely notification.
This situation differs from routine notification practice (including for seasonal influenza vaccine), which should continue for all other vaccination adverse event notifications.
Consent
As with the administration of any medication, patients should consent to being given the vaccine.
An optional national consent form has been developed for the pandemic influenza vaccine, for those who would like to use it. It is available here. There is no national consent form for seasonal influenza vaccine.Vaccine administration
The following health care professionals are able to administer influenza vaccines:
- Registered Medical Practitioners
- Authorised Nurse Immunisers
- Registered Nurses who have undertaken the required training and meet other specified conditions (NSW Health Policy Directive PD2008_033 Immunisation Services – Authority for Registered Nurses)
- Registered Nurses
- Registered Nurses working under medical direction
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurses
Ordering the vaccine
General practitioners, Aboriginal Medical Services, aged care facilities and healthcare facilities can order pandemic and seasonal infleunza vaccines from the NSW Vaccine Centre.
The vaccine will not be available from community pharmacies.
Additional guidelines and resources for clinicians
Product information for Pandemic vaccine - Panvax® (CSL) (revised 3 December)
Adverse events electronic reporting form
Influenza vaccination reminder card - in Word
Influenza vaccination reminder card - in PDF
Vaccination desk reminder for clinicians
Fax to paediatricians 15/02/10
Additional information for health professionals
Patient Information Sheets
Patient Information Sheet – Department of Health and Ageing
For more information
See the NSW Health Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza website: www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu.
- Call the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing pandemic influenza information hotline 1802007.
Call MotherSafe, the NSW Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation Advisory Service, based at the
Updated by NSW Health 27 August 2010