Swine Flu Update

Sent: Monday, 14 December, 2009 1:19:16 PM (GMT+1000) Auto-Detected
Subject: FINAL 2009 UPDATE - H1N1 Swine flu

Dear All

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Principals and school staff for the great work and support throughout the Protect Phase of the H1N1 2009 Influenza pandemic. Overall, the impact of the virus in Tasmania could be described as moderate, and most certainly the positive and diligent response from staff and the general school community, strongly contributed to this outcome.

Senior Public Health officers have been monitoring the effects of the H1N1 virus throughout countries in the Northern Hemisphere as a possible indicator of future risk to the Australian public. Early observations have alerted health officers to the possibility of an early wave of the virus within Australia during early 2010.

It is very important to note advice from Public Health officers who are encouraging all staff and their families to take preventative action by seeking earlier intervention and immunisation via their local GP or medical centre. You can choose to vaccinate in order to protect yourself, your family and the community. In addition to this, staff travelling overseas are strongly encouraged to take note of recent travel warnings and seek immunisation for the H1N1 virus well prior to commencing their overseas vacation.

The National Immunisation Program has been initially focused upon vaccinating certain groups at higher risk of exposure and those vulnerable to more severe outcomes. The paediatric (children) vaccine for the H1N1virus is now available. This enables an opportunity for all higher risk groups including young children and pregnant women with an option to safe guard against the spread of the virus.

The aim of the immunisation program is to raise what is known as “herd immunity” to protect the vulnerable and limit the spread of the forecast second-wave. Herd immunity refers to sufficient numbers of the population being immune to a virus as to minimise its overall impact. Previous pandemic experience suggests a second wave has the potential to be more intense and debilitating.

Thank you for your help and assistance during the year, as without your diligence we would not have been able to manage this community health issue in Tasmania.

Regards

John Pacconi
Human Resources Manager
Catholic Education Office

Telephone: 6210 8888
Mobile: 0417389404
Fax: 6210 8844
Email: john.pacconi@catholic.tas.edu.au