Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine roll-out in NSW

Jan Fizzell; Sue Campbell-Lloyd; Andrew J. Hallett; Chris P. Lowbridge; Dennis Meijer; Sophie E. Tyner

doi:10.1071/NB09039

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine roll-out in NSW

Jan Fizzell ^A ^B , Sue Campbell-Lloyd ^A , Andrew J. Hallett ^A , Chris P. Lowbridge ^A , Dennis Meijer ^A and Sophie E. Tyner ^A

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza Vaccine Team, NSW Department of Health

^B Corresponding author. Email: jan.fizzell@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

NSW Public Health Bulletin 21(2) 32-35 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB09039
Published: 8 April 2010

Abstract

The roll-out of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine in NSW was significantly different to that envisaged for a pandemic vaccination program. Pre-pandemic planning had focused on the urgent roll-out of a vaccine through mass vaccination clinics in a time of high demand due to a virulent influenza virus. Instead the situation was less urgent, with the vaccine available only after the peak of incidence of infections in NSW. Consequently mass vaccination clinics were considered to be a less appropriate method of delivering the vaccine than a primary care focused delivery model. This paper describes the program, some of the controversies considered during its roll-out and factors to be considered in planning for future pandemics.

Acknowledgments

The vaccine roll-out could not have occurred without the hard work and co-operation of: the Media and Communications Unit and the Centre for Epidemiology and Research at the NSW Department of Health; the NSW Health area health services; the Primary Care Consultation Group for Pandemic Influenza; and the NSW State Vaccine Distribution Centre.

References

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