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RESEARCH ARTICLE

An influenza prophylaxis clinic in a primary school: 24 hours from notification to protection

Kathryn M. Weston A B and George Truman A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Population Health, Sydney West Area Health Service

B Corresponding author. Email: westonk@wahs.nsw.gov.au

NSW Public Health Bulletin 21(2) 16-18 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB09032
Published: 8 April 2010

Abstract

A public health clinic was established to provide antiviral prophylaxis to school contacts during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza outbreak in NSW, Australia. Children (n = 74) and staff (n = 9) were provided with antiviral (oseltamivir) prophylaxis following exposure to a confirmed case of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. The success of the clinic included attention to infection control and quarantining of potentially infectious children and staff, attendance at the clinic of pharmacists to ensure accurate dispensing of suspension medication, availability of experienced public health staff at short notice, and provision of accurate information to staff, school children and families attending the clinic.


Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the assistance of the Sydney West Area Health Service, the Centre for Health Protection at the NSW Department of Health, staff at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the school and the district education office.


References


[1] Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza. Commonwealth of Australia: Canberra; 2008.

[2] Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Antiviral recommendations. Available from: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/clinical-antiviral (Cited 13 October 2009.)

[3] World Health Organisation. Human infection with new influenza A (H1N1) virus: WHO consultation on suspension of classes and restriction of mass gatherings to mitigate the impact of epidemics caused by influenza A (H1N1), May 2009. Wkly Epidemiol Rec 2009; 84(27): 269–71.
PubMed |

[4] US Department of Homeland Security. National Incident Management System. US Department of Homeland Security: USA; 2008.