As part of an Emergency Management Plan schools should prepare for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. The documents listed below contain useful information and guidance for developing and implementing such a plan.

Downloads

• H1N1 Influenza Advisory Notice - 17 July 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Advisory Notice - 25 June 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Parent Communication - 4 June 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Poster - 4 June 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Advisory Notice - 4 June 2009 (2)
• H1N1 Influenza Advisory Notice -
  4 June 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Advisory Notice -
  1 June 2009
• Infuenza Pandemic Resource Guide
• School Emergency Management Planning
• Information for nurses
• Pandemic Action Plan
• Sample Questionnaire

H1N1 Influenza

Update as at 11.40 am 26 June 2009

Victoria has moved to the ‘Protect’ phase of the national pandemic plan. This illness is classified as ‘moderate’, with the majority of cases being mild. However five per cent of cases are severe, which means that those affected may require hospitalisation and intensive care.

The best defence against all influenza viruses – including H1N1 – is good general hygiene.

Students and staff with flu-like symptoms should stay at home and limit close contact with others, especially children, and seek medical advice, where necessary. On advice from a doctor, quarantine will be limited to confirmed cases of the virus. These people and their contacts will not be given antiviral therapy unless it is clinically indicated.

Students arriving in Australia from countries of high prevalence are no longer required to be kept away from school for seven days following their arrival in Australia.

For more detailed information from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Department of Human Services, click here...

To view AISV communications in relation to H1N1 influenza, please click here...

For information on emergency management planning, including planning for influenza pandemic, visit the Compliance Framework.

Emergency management

Influenza Pandemic: Resource Guide for Independent Schools contains background information about influenza, the Australian Management Plan and Emergency Management in Victoria.

Avian and Pandemic Influenza: School Emergency Management Planning describes and compares the symptoms of influenza and avian influenza, contains useful contact details and websites, and lists a number of control measures that could be put in place at a school.

Influenza Pandemic: Information for School Nurses and Medical Staff describes infection control procedures and lists infection control equipment.

Pandemic Action Plan for Independent Schools is a step by step planning guide to assist schools in preparing for a pandemic.

Influenza type illness – Sample Questionnaire is an editable questionnaire that can be used to collect background information about a person displaying symptoms of influenza.

Being Prepared for an Influenza Pandemic

The Australian Government has prepared a range of tools to help you and your school prepare for a human influenza pandemic in Australia.

These tools include:

• A practical and comprehensive Business Continuity Guide for Australian Businesses
• A Kit for Small Businesses including:
  • short explanatory booklet
  • A Pandemic Planning Checklist for Small Business
  • A series of health posters to assist in controlling infection
  • Reference sheets

The tools can be downloaded from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

The National Action Plan for Human Influenza Pandemic

The Action Plan outlines how Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments will work together to protect Australia against the threat of an influenza pandemic and support the Australian community should one occur.

The Action Plan can be downloaded from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.

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