Information for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers are in the forefront for treating a community affected by H1N1. It is critical that hospitals and health systems can manage heightened demand. Here are important recommendations for preparing your staff and facilities for a pandemic.
Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Information System(PA-SIIS) H1N1 Online pre-registration for facilities interested in providing vaccine facility pre-registration site is now closed. The site, which reopened temporarily October 19-30, is closed permanently. Certifications are continuing for sites that have already pre-registered. If you have any questions, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 717-787-5681.
- Update your Pandemic Influenza Plan.
- Disseminate employee communications on prevention and vaccination.
- Have an employee mass vaccination plan.
- Develop employee communications on making plans to deal with sick family members or school, child care or business closures.
- Develop employee influenza management policies including a position on monitoring employee health and confirming illness.
- Review and modify as appropriate your employee absenteeism plan.
- Have a personal protection equipment plan.
- Plan for patient surge.
- Implement H1N1 medical management procedures and support mechanisms for separating influenza patients from others.
- Stay apprised of the latest news on H1N1 in your community.
- Download a quick checklist to keep all your information at hand.
- Plan for Handling and Patient Administration of FluMist.
Please also review the CDC's guidelines for clinicians.
A Note on Testing
Clinicians should consider the possibility of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus infection in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness. If influenza is suspected, clinicians should consider obtaining a respiratory specimen (nasopharyngeal or throat swab) for influenza testing using a rapid, point-of-use assay. In some circumstances, specimens can be forwarded to a reference laboratory for definitive identification. Clinicians should consult with their state or local health department about whether it is necessary to submit specimens to the state public health laboratory for further characterization.
- Where and When are Vaccines Available? Check here to find when the novel H1N1 vaccine is ready in your area, and where you can go to get one.
- Should You Consider Vaccination? All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine, particularly those in one of the groups most at risk for getting the virus or suffering complications.
- 5 Ways to Protect Yourself Staying healthy is simpler than you think. Some everyday prevention techniques and good hygiene can keep you and your family well this flu season.
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National H1N1 Information
For most recent national H1N1 information visit,
