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Interpandemic Period Phases
There are a number of phases in an Interpandemic Period.
As of 1 December 2010, Australia is in pandemic phase Alert.
Protect Phase
Australia was in Protect phase from 17 June 2009 to 30 November 2010. The focus of this phase was on identifying the people who are most at risk for severe outcomes from pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 by providing medical care and interventions to reduce this risk, including early treatment with antiviral medication and refocused testing to identify the virus in those with moderate to severe disease; and implementing a pandemic vaccination program.
On 10 August 2010 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the H1N1 influenza virus had moved into the post-pandemic period but that localised outbreaks of various magnitudes were likely to continue. At that time it was considered appropriate that Australia remain in the Protect phase, as Australia was still in its influenza season and a late upsurge in pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 cases was possible.
The Department of Health and Ageing continued to monitor influenza surveillance data and noted that Australia had seen a particularly late peak in the 2010 influenza season, with levels of influenza cases this season similar to those reported in 2007 and 2008 and significantly lower than that observed during 2009. The Chief Medical Officer, together with his expert advisory groups, assessed Australia’s pandemic phase status and recommended the change of phase accordingly.
Alert Phase
The Alert phase is the phase between pandemics. The key element of the Alert phase is heightened vigilance for a new influenza virus or an antigenic change in a current circulating influenza virus, which may be of concern.
This is consistent with the WHO’s recommendation to continue ongoing vigilance in the early post-pandemic period.
Pandemic Review
An assessment of Australia’s health sector response to pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 is underway. The review process focuses on what was planned, what happened during the response, and identifies key issues and lessons learned. This information will be critical to inform future pandemic planning.
Vaccinations
National Pandemic Vaccination ProgramA free vaccine to protect all Australians from pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 was available until 31 December 2010 when available stocks reached their expiry date. The vaccine was approved for use in young children (from six months of age) as well as adults.
The separate free vaccine is no longer available, however, pandemic (H1N1) influenza 2009 has been incorporated into the seasonal influenza vaccine for 2011. Seasonal vaccine is available free for eligible groups under the National Immunisation Program.
Interpandemic Periods
Phase 0
No influenza virus subtypes detected in humans and the disease not present in animals in Australia.
Global Phase 1
(Overseas 1) No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans but has caused human infection or disease present in animals overseas. Risk of human infection or disease is low.
(Australia 1) No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans but has caused human infection or disease present in animals Australia. Risk of human infection or disease is low.
Global Phase 2
(Overseas 2) No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans. An influenza virus subtype that has caused human infection or disease is present in animals overseas and risk of human infection or disease is substantial.
(Australia 2) No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans. An influenza virus subtype that has caused human infection or disease is present in animals in Australia and risk of human infection or disease is substantial.
Global Phase 3
(Overseas 3) Human infections with a new subtype overseas but no human-to-human spread or at most rare instances of spread to a close contact.
(Australia 3) Human infections with a new subtype overseas but no human-to-human spread or at most rare instances of spread to a close contact.
Global Phase 4
(Overseas 4) Small clusters consistent with limited human-to-human transmission overseas but spread is highly localised, suggesting the virus is not well adapted to humans.
(Australia 4) Small clusters consistent with limited human-to-human transmission in Australia but spread is highly localised, suggesting the virus is not well adapted to humans.
Global Phase 5
(Overseas 5) Larger clusters but human-to-human spread is still localised overseas, suggesting that the virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans with a substantial pandemic risk.
(Australia 5) Larger clusters but human-to-human spread is still localised in Australia, suggesting that the virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans with a substantial pandemic risk.
Global Phase 6
(Overseas 6) Increased and sustained transmission in the general population overseas.
(Australia 6a) Increased and sustained transmission in the general population in Australia, but cases are still localised to one area of the country.
(Australia 6b) Increased and sustained transmission in the general population in Australia and cases are occurring in multiple regions of the country.
(Australia 6c) Increased and sustained transmission in the general population in Australia but the number of cases is subsiding.
(Australia 6d) Increased and sustained transmission in the general population in Australia, but cases are still localised to one area of the country.
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