South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Open Letter to the American People about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine
• Find Local Flu Clinics
• S.C. Flu Statistics
• Campaign Materials
• Myths Dispelled
• Info for Specific Groups
• Individuals, Parents & Caregivers
• Healthcare Professionals
• Schools & Child Care
• Pregnant Women
• People with Health Problems
• Businesses & Employers
• People in Residential Facilities
• Types of Flu
• Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
• Seasonal Flu
• What is a Pandemic?
• What is Avian Flu?
• Need more info?
• Call 2-1-1
• Visit Flu.gov

Healthcare Professionals

Thank you for working closely with us to slow the spread of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) in South Carolina.

DHEC’s Weekly Flu Surveillance Update

For weekly flu reporting statistics, see our South Carolina Influenza Activity and Surveillance Web page.

Vaccination

Seasonal Flu

Vaccines are available now. See the recommendations on seasonal flu vaccines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Novel H1N1 Flu

So far, the viruses seen in South Carolina remain similar to those chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The first shipments of the novel H1N1 flu vaccine have arrived in South Carolina and vaccine continues to be made available each week.

Effective December 21, 2009, SCDHEC determined that enough novel H1N1 flu vaccine had arrived and continued to be available to offer the vaccine to any South Carolina citizen who desired it.  SCDHEC is no longer requiring private vaccine providers to restrict access to the vaccine to only those persons listed in CDC’s target groups. See the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of vaccine against infections with novel H1N1 flu virus.

• H1N1 Vaccine Recall (02/01/2010)
• Shortened Expiration Period for Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Vaccine in Pre-filled Syringes Questions and Answers
• Open Letter to the American People about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine (01/11/2010)
• Safety of Thimerosal in Vaccines Against 2009 H1N1 Flu: Fact Sheet (01/05/2010)
• DHEC Health Advisory (SC HAN) Expansion of use of Novel H1N1 vaccine beyond target groups (pdf) (12/18/2009)
• UPDATED: Vaccine Information for Clinicians and Health Care Professionals
• Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Pediatric (0.25 mL, for 6-35 month olds) Vaccine in Pre-Filled Syringes Questions & Answers
  This document features several questions and answers regarding the recent Sanofi Pasteur voluntary recall of the H1N1 Pediatric (0.25 mL, for 6-35 month olds) vaccine in pre-filled syringes.
• Safety of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccines -- U.S., Oct 1 - Nov 24, 2009 (12/04/09)
  No substantial differences between H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines were noted in the proportion or types of serious adverse events.
• Vaccine Information for Clinicians and Health Care Professionals - Vaccine Dosage, Administration, and Storage (11/20/09)
  These tables for healthcare providers and planners provide information related to spacing between the two doses of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine for children 6 months through 9 years of age and for administration of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine with seasonal influenza and other vaccines.
• Information for Vaccine Planners - Supply and Distribution (11/20/09)
  These tables for healthcare providers and planners provide information related to spacing between the two doses of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine for children 6 months through 9 years of age and for administration of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine with seasonal influenza and other vaccines.
• Planning Guide for Vaccinating Pediatric Patients Against 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Primary Healthcare Settings (Purpose of this document: To provide guidance for planning and conducting 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination of pediatric patients in primary healthcare settings.)
• H1N1 Vaccine Administration Billing Questions and Answers (Questions and answers related to billing practices for H1N1 vaccine administration, including guidance about the circumstances under which providers may bill insurance or charge patients when federal funds for H1N1 vaccination are used.)
• 10 FAQs for immunization programs and providers (CDC) (10/21/09)
• 2009 H1N1 Influenza Shots and Pregnant Women: Questions and Answers for Patients(CDC) (10/2/09)
• Questions & Answers: 2009 H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine (CDC)
• General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza A  Vaccine Safety
• General Questions and Answers on Thimerosal (9/25/09)
• General Questions and Answers on Guillain-Barre Syndrome  (9/25/09)

General Public

• Update: Vaccine Against 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus (01/27/2010)
• 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Questions and Answers
  This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about H1N1 vaccine. It also has updated information on vaccine project areas and distribution at the state and local level.

Antivirals

The novel H1N1 flu viruses we’ve seen in South Carolina remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.

• Caregiver Instruction Sheet: Opening and Mixing Tamiflu® Capsules with Liquids if Child Cannot Swallow Capsules (12/01/09)
  This document provides instructions for caregivers on how to open and mix Tamiflu® capsules with a thick sweetened liquid for children who cannot swallow capsules.
• 2009 H1N1 Influenza: Resources for Pharmacists (11/25/09)
  This page was updated November 25, 2009 to include new information on antiviral availability and additional information that may be useful for pharmacists working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
• SC HAN-DHEC Update - Use of Antiviral Medications from State Stockpiles, Updated Emergency Use Authorizations (11/18/09)
• 2009 H1N1 Influenza: Resources for Pharmacists (11/02/09)
  Quicklinks for information regarding Peramivir IV and to FDA's Guidance to Pharmacies on Advance Compounding of Tamiflu Oral Suspension to Provide for Multiple Prescriptions
• CDC Health Advisory 4:45 p.m. - Key Issues for Clinicians Concerning Antiviral Treatments for 2009 H1N1 (11/06/09)
• Updated Recommendations on Antivirals
• 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs (pdf) (10/13/09)
• New Antiviral Safety Information Web Page (CDC) (10/20/09)
• CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Info Service Message: Recommendations for Early Empiric Antiviral Treatment in Persons with Suspected Influenza who are at Increased Risk of Developing Severe Disease (10/19/09)
• Updated Interim Recommendations for Obstetric Health Care Providers Related to Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season (CDC) (12/07/09)
• 2009-2010 Influenza Season: Information for Pharmacists (CDC) (9/25/09)
• Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season (CDC) (12/07/09)
• Questions and Answers about the CDC’s Revised Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Antiviral Drugs (CDC)

FDA Information on Antivirals

• FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Intravenous Antiviral Peramivir for 2009 H1N1 Influenza for Certain Patients, Settings (10/23/09)
• Zanamivir (Relenza) Fact Sheets
• Tamiflu Fact Sheets
• FDA Issuance Letter for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) (pdf)

Clinician Guidance

General Patient Population

• CDC / DHEC Health Advisory--2009 H1N1 Pandemic Update Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendated to Help Prevent Secondary Infections
• Questions and Answers: 2009 H1N1 and Pneumococcal Disease in the News (11/17/09)
• Perspectives on the Evolving H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Surveillance and Community Mitigation -- Guidance for Healthcare Providers (10/18/09)
• Questions and Answers: Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary to Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Influenza - This update provides information about pneumococcal disease, including who is at high risk and needs to be vaccinated. (10/23/09)
• For Providers: Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary to Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Influenza Viruses Infection - This update provides information about pneumococcal disease as a complication of influenza, including ACIP recommendations for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. (10/23/09)
• H1N1 Clinicians Questions and Answers (CDC) (10/5/09)
• Template Letter for Healthcare Providers about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (CDC) (10/6/09)
• Interim recommendations regarding management of confirmed, probable or suspected influenza cases and contacts (pdf) (DHEC)
• Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Care of Patients With Confirmed or Suspected  Influenza A (CDC)

Specific Patient Categories

• Guidance from Pediatric Stakeholders: A Coordinated Approach to Communicating Pediatric-related Information on Pandemic Influenza at the Community Level (01/27/2010)
• Flu Information for People with Diabetes and Caregivers of People with Diabetes: Fact Sheet (01/06/2010)
• Updated Interim Recommendations: Special Considerations for Clinicains Regarding 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Severely Immunosuppressed Patients
• H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for Pregnant Women
  This is a quick overview of what pregnant women need to know about 2009 H1N1 flu. It is in downloadable format for use in doctor's offices or by individuals.
• H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for Obstetric Health Care Providers
  This is a quick overview of what pregnant women need to know about 2009 H1N1 flu. It is in downloadable format for use in doctor's offices or by individuals.
• Caring for Someone Sick at Home (12/05/09)
  Will you know what to do if someone in your home gets the flu? This new online guide from CDC provides step-by-step instructions on how to care for someone sick in your home. Learn what you can do to help your family this flu season.
• Prevention of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Transmission in Dental Health Care Settings
• American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: New Information on H1N1 Influenza Virus includes: Asessment and Treatment for Pregnant Women with ILI Patient Fact Sheet for Pregnant Women (English and Spanish) ACOG urges physicians to vaccinate their pregnant patients for 2009 H1N1
• Updated Interim Recommendations -- HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Considerations for Clinicians Regarding 2009 H1N1 Influenza
  This update provides new information about vaccination and treatment of HIV-infected adults and adolescents affected by 2009 H1N1 influenza.
• Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Influenza Vaccine in Pregnant Women (10/28/09)
• 2009-2010 Influenza Season Triage Algorithm for Children (≤18 years) With Influenza-Like Illness (pdf) (10/16/09)
• 2009 H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu Information for Rheumatology Health Professionals (10/15/09)
• 2009 H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu Information for People with Inflammatory Arthritis or Rheumatic Disease (10/15/09)
• Treatment of Influenza During Pregnancy (FDA) (10/2/09)
• 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women: Information for Healthcare Providers (CDC) (10/2/09)
• Interim Guidance—Pregnant Women and Swine Influenza: Considerations for Clinicians (CDC)
• Considerations Regarding Novel H1N1 Flu Virus in Obstetric Settings (CDC)

Epidemiology and Surveillance

• Perspectives on the Evolving H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Surveillance and Community Mitigation -- Guidance for Healthcare Providers (10/18/09)
• South Carolina Influenza Activity and Surveillance
• Novel (H1N1, swine) Influenza A Case Report Form (DHEC 0979) (pdf)

Specimen Collecting and Testing

• Memo: Collection of Specimens and Testing at the SCDHEC Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) (pdf)

Infection Control

• Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel (CDC) (10/14/09)
• Questions and Answers Regarding Respiratory Protection for Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza among Healthcare Personnel (CDC) (10/14/09)
• Questions and Answers about CDC's Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel (CDC) (10/14/09)
• Infection Control in Healthcare Settings  (CDC)

Occupational Safety and Health

• Worker guidance: Precautions for Healthcare Workers during the 2009-2010 Flu season
• Employer guidance: Reducing Healthcare Workers' Exposures to the 2009 H1N1 Virus
• OSHA Statement - Statement by Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab re: H1N1-related Inspections (10/14/09)
• 10 Steps You Can Take:  Actions for Novel H1N1 Influenza Planning and Response for Medical Offices and Outpatient Facilities (CDC)

Emergency Personnel Guidance

• Managing Calls and Call Centers During a Large-Scale Influenza Outbreak: Implementation Tool
• EMS and 9-1-1 Personnel:  Managing Confirmed or Suspected Infections

Additional Flu Resources

• South Carolina Health Alert Network:  Public Health Notifications
• Free Patient Education Materials (English and Spanish)
• Traveler’s Health (CDC)

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If, after reading the information available here, you have questions about the 2009 H1N1 vaccine,
please call 1-800-27SHOTS (1-800-277-4687).