Email
Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza
Page content: Introduction | Download documents | Further information | Links | Related information
Introduction
The threat of a pandemic has been in the news for some time, mainly because of the spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. The greatest challenge involved in planning for a pandemic is that it is impossible to predict when it will occur and how virulent it will be. The best thing we can do is be prepared. The Victorian Government has developed a number of plans and will lead the State’s response to a human pandemic.
This plan aims to provide an effective health response framework to minimise the morbidity and mortality associated with an influenza pandemic and its impact on the Victorian community, health care system and the economy.
This plan builds upon the foundation established by the Victorian influenza pandemic plan (November 2005) and plans developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Government Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources.
The plan focuses on the containment of the virus and supporting and maintaining critical services. ‘Containment’ means that, in the early stages of a pandemic, intensive efforts will concentrate on containing the virus to allow time for a pandemic influenza vaccine to be produced. Containment strategies may include reducing traveler numbers to Australia, social distancing and infection control measures, short-term home quarantine for those exposed to the virus and the targeted use of antivirals. ‘Maintenance’ means that if the pandemic becomes widespread, efforts will concentrate on maintaining health and other services to keep society functioning until a pandemic vaccine becomes available or the pandemic abates.
Public confidence in decision making processes at all stages of a pandemic is vital. The Victorian Government has been working closely with a range of government agencies at Commonwealth and local government levels, as well as professional, community and industry stakeholders, to ensure that organisations are prepared and that agreed processes are in place.
While the Victorian Government has developed a number of plans and will lead the State’s response to a pandemic, we need organisations and individuals to be properly prepared for this threat.
Download documents
Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza 2007
Preparing for an influenza pandemic - An information kit and workplan for general practice
Seasonal/Avian/Pandemic influenza (flu) - Information for the general public
Pandemic influenza (flu) Information for the general public - looking after yourself in a pandemic
Further information
Contact the Communicable Diseases section.
Links
Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza 2008
Preparing for an influenza pandemic (Department of Health and Ageing)
WHO – Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response - Influenza
