H1N1 Influenza Update

Note: In addition to the local, state and federal public health agency websites listed below, physicians are encouraged to check the California Medical Association's website for additional information, inclusing CMA's "quick billing guide for physicians".

UPDATE: The California Department of Public Health is now accepting supplemental orders for H1N1 vaccine. Requests will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.  Visit www.CalPanFlu.org for more information and to order vaccine.

The ACCMA is in communication with local public health agencies (Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the City of Berkeley), which are coordinating vaccine distribution and have assumed the role of being the "safety net" for providing H1N1 vaccinations to vulnerable patients.  Public health agencies are encouraging the private medical community (physicians, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.) to serve as the primary resource for ensuring that their patients receive H1N1 vaccinations.  Physicians who have the capability to provide H1N1 immunizations may register to receive the vaccine at www.calpanflu.org.   Physicians are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines on timing and dosing of flu vaccinations and on who should be given priority to receive vaccines.  While the vaccine is free, physicians may charge a fee for administering it.  Information on CDC guidelines for administering the vaccine and billing for administration may be found at the ACCMA website: www.accma.org.

Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine will only be distributed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not expect H1N1 vaccine shortages, but since availability and demand can be unpredictable, CDPH has been designated the sole distribution point for H1N1 vaccine in California.  CDPH is urging physicians to preregister for the H1N1 vaccine immediately, even if you are not ready to order vaccines, so that CDPH can realistically assess physician capacity and interest in vaccinating.  When preregistering, be prepared to submit your National Provider Identification number, the projected number of doses of the vaccine your practice expects to use, and the number of patients your practice has that fit into the high risk groups (see below). To preregister, visit http://www.CalPanFlu.org.  [Preregistering only informs CDPH of your interest in being a vaccinator; you are not required to (although you may) place an order for vaccines, nor are you committing to administer a certain quantity of vaccines. If you do order, please note that vaccine will be distributed on the basis of need, not on a first come, first served basis.]

The H1N1 vaccine does not protect against the seasonal flu. Because of the dual flu threat and the impact of the increased patient volume is expected to have on physician practices, CDC advises physicians to start administering the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible before the arrival of the H1N1 vaccine in October.

Although CDC does not expect H1N1 vaccine shortages, in the event of a shortage, the CDC is recommending that priority be given to pregnant women, children 6 months through 4 years of age, children 5 through 18 years of age with chronic medical conditions, health care workers with direct patient contact, and people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.  If there is ample supply, CDC is also recommending priority vaccinations for young adults aged 19-24 and adults aged 25 to 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.  Once these high-risk groups have been vaccinated, the CDC recommends vaccinating everyone ages 25 to 64. Current studies indicate there is a lower risk of H1N1 infection among people age 65 or older. These individuals should be vaccinated once all other groups have been immunized. Note: The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. All high risk patients, including those 65 and older, should receive the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Physicians are encouraged to check the county public health agency website frequently for updates.

Alameda County Public Health Department
Contra Costa Health Services

The California Medical Association (CMA) has also created an informative webpage for California physicians and patients.

CMA Information on Swine Flu

For general information about swine flu, resources for patients, and the current status of outbreaks in California and nationwide, you might also wish to visit:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health