For up to date information regarding H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Flu) please visit:
http://www.pandemic.tas.gov.au

 

Latest update - 27 October 2009

Thank you for your ongoing effort to prevent the H1N1 virus from spreading in your school community.
Advice from senior Public Health officers indicates that the intensity of the pandemic throughout Tasmania has decreased.  Whilst the number of people contracting the virus has significantly reduced, there is still a possibility of contracting the H1N1 virus (even throughout the summer period), and therefore individuals should continue to be vigilant of this threat and maintain a high level of personal hygiene.

The Panvax Immunisation program for H1N1 (Swine Flu) has commenced across Australia and initially will be focused on vaccinating certain groups at higher risk of exposure and those vulnerable to more severe outcomes as identified in the PROTECT annex to the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (Tier One).

The aim of the immunisation program is to raise what is known as “herd immunity” to protect the vulnerable and limit the spread of a possible second-wave attack.  Herd immunity refers to sufficient numbers of the population being immune to a virus as to minimise its overall impact. Tasmania needs herd immunity because a second wave will most likely come next winter but could arrive earlier.  

Public Health officers are monitoring any effects of the H1N1 Virus throughout countries in the Northern Hemisphere during their oncoming winter and traditional influenza season.  Public Health officers have also advised that whilst the first wave of H1N1 had mild affects for most people contracting the virus, previous pandemic experience suggests a second wave has the potential to be more intense and debilitating.  

Notification of Student Illness

Public Health officers have advised that GPs are being inundated with ill patients, and the Acting Director of Public Health is advocating a common sense approach to medical certificates during the pandemic.  In the current circumstances, certificates should not be required where parents have contacted the school and spoken with the Principal or his/her nominee and it is clear that there is a genuine illness.

Parents should, of course, seek medical treatment if they feel their child needs it, but are not required to visit a GP merely because a student has had some time away from school.

Again, thank you for your help in managing this important community health issue in Tasmania.

Letters to Parents and Carers from the Acting Director of Public Health

• Schools
  
• Child Care Centres

For more information go to www.pandemic.tas.gov.au.

Staff resources are available on the Department of Education Staff Intranet.

Contact information

For further information please contact:  Marcus Hardwick, Senior Consultant (OH&S) on 6233 7942

Fact sheets:

• Protect yourself from the flu
• Wash your hands
• Keep your distance
• Cover your cough
• Know the signs of flu
• Stay at home